Waitlisted in College Admissions: The Ultimate Guide
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about being waitlisted, as well as how to improve your chances of getting off the waitlist and into the school of your dreams.
Photo by energepic.com
Navigating the college admissions process can be a complex journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, unexpected outcomes - like being waitlisted.
If you’ve found yourself in this position, you might feel a mixture of hope and uncertainty. But don't worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about being waitlisted, as well as how to improve your chances of getting off the waitlist and into the school of your dreams.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich
What Does “Waitlisted” Mean?
Being waitlisted means that the college or university to which you’ve applied has not offered you immediate admission, but they also haven’t rejected your application. Instead, they’ve placed you on a list of potential students who could be offered a spot, if more space becomes available. It’s a kind of “maybe” in the admissions process, indicating that the school is interested in you, but needs to manage its overall enrollment numbers before making a final decision.
When Do Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
Waitlist decisions typically come out after the May 1st National College Decision Day, the deadline by which most students must commit to a college. After this date, colleges have a clearer picture of how many accepted students have decided to enroll.
If the number of enrolled students falls short of the college's target, they will start admitting students from the waitlist. This process can extend into the summer, often lasting until July or even August in some cases.
Possible Reasons for Being Waitlisted
Understanding why you might be placed on a waitlist can provide valuable insights into the admissions process and help you strategize your next steps. Let’s discuss several common reasons why colleges and universities may choose to waitlist an applicant.
Strong Competition
In highly selective institutions, the number of exceptionally qualified applicants often far exceeds the number of available spots. For instance, Ivy League schools and other top-tier universities receive tens of thousands of applications each year, many of which come from students with stellar academic records, impressive extracurricular achievements, and compelling personal stories.
Even though you might meet or exceed the typical profile of an admitted student, the sheer volume of strong applications means that colleges have to make tough decisions. They may place some outstanding candidates on the waitlist because they simply cannot accommodate everyone who is qualified.
Institutional Priorities
Colleges and universities strive to build diverse and well-rounded classes that fulfill their institutional needs and priorities. This often involves a balance of various factors, such as:
- Demographics: Schools aim to create a diverse student body that represents different geographic regions, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses. They may place students on the waitlist to ensure they can admit a mix of students that align with their diversity goals.
- Intended Majors: Colleges also look to fill their programs with students who have diverse academic interests. For instance, a school might want to maintain a balance between students pursuing STEM fields and those interested in the humanities or social sciences. If they have already accepted many applicants for a particular major, they might waitlist additional applicants with the same academic interests.
- Athletic or Artistic Talent: Some institutions give preference to students who can contribute to their athletic teams or arts programs. If you’re applying to a school with a strong emphasis on these areas, the number of spots available for students without these specific talents may be more limited, leading to a higher likelihood of being waitlisted.
Application Timing
The timing of your application can also influence your chances of being accepted, waitlisted, or rejected. Applying late in the admissions cycle can sometimes lead to waitlisting, even for strong candidates.
Students who apply early often receive a decision before regular applicants. If a college has already filled a significant portion of its class with early applicants, it may have fewer spaces left for those applying in the regular decision round.
Additionally, applicants submitting during the regular decision timeline might face more competition and limited space, which can lead to being waitlisted even if they are well-qualified.
Yield Management
Schools use the waitlist to manage their yield rate (the percentage of accepted students who enroll), in order to avoid over or under-enrollment.
Colleges aim to admit just the right number of students to fill their incoming class, without overextending their resources or under-enrolling. If too many accepted students choose to enroll, the college may face issues such as overcrowded dormitories and strained academic resources. To mitigate this risk, schools use the waitlist to control the final size of the class.
Conversely, if fewer students than expected decide to enroll, the college can turn to the waitlist to fill the remaining spots and meet their target enrollment numbers.
Photo by Alexander Suhorucov
Waitlisted vs Deferred
It’s essential to understand the difference between being waitlisted and being deferred, as they represent different stages of the admissions process.
Waitlisted: You have applied for regular decision and the college will make a final decision after evaluating how many accepted students enroll. You may still have a chance to be admitted if spots open up.
Deferred: You applied for early decision or early action, and the college has postponed their decision until the regular admission period. Your application will be reviewed again along with the regular decision applicants—meaning, there is still a chance for admission here as well.
What Percentage of Waitlisted Students Get Accepted?
The percentage of waitlisted students who eventually gain admission varies significantly by institution and year. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), on average, about 20% of waitlisted students get accepted. But this figure can range from 1% at highly selective schools to 50% or more at less selective ones. Ivy League schools typically have lower waitlist acceptance rates due to the sheer volume of qualified applicants.
What to Do if You Get Waitlisted? 6 Tips from College Admissions Experts
Finding out you’ve been waitlisted can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but it’s important to remember that you’re still in the running for admission! Here are six expert tips to help you navigate this period, make the most of your time, and improve your chances of securing a spot at your dream school.
1. Make a Decision & Respond Promptly
When you receive a waitlist offer, it’s crucial to respond promptly and follow the college’s instructions carefully. Keep in mind that some schools may request additional information, such as updated transcripts or recent achievements, to be sent along with your response if you do end up choosing to remain on the waitlist.
Some colleges require you to formally accept or decline your place on the waitlist. For example, you may receive an email stating, “Please confirm your desire to remain on our waitlist by completing the enclosed form by April 15th.” Once you’ve confirmed your place on the waitlist, it’s a good idea to reach out to the admissions office to get a better understanding of your position on the list and what to expect. In certain cases, the admissions office may provide a general idea of how long you might be on the waitlist or your approximate ranking (e.g., high, medium, or low priority). This can help you gauge your chances.
It’s also important to note that some schools may have policies that prevent them from disclosing detailed information about waitlist rankings or specifics about individual applications. In this case, focus on what you can control—such as improving your profile and preparing a strong letter of continued interest.
If, however, you are no longer interested in attending the school you’ve been waitlisted for (for whatever reason), be sure to indicate that you’d like to be taken off of the waitlist.
2. Enhance Your Profile
Use the time you have to further enrich your application profile, and to showcase your continuous personal and academic development. For example, participating in extracurricular activities that reflect your interests and values is a good place to start. Colleges appreciate students who are active and engaged in their communities, whether it’s through volunteering, participating in clubs, or pursuing personal projects.
You can also demonstrate your leadership skills by stepping up in your current activities or initiating new projects. Leadership experience is often a key factor that colleges consider when reviewing waitlisted candidates.
Finally, you may consider enrolling in advanced courses, pursuing independent studies, or attending workshops and conferences that align with your academic goals. Showing a commitment to continued learning can make your application more compelling.
3. Update Your Application
If you’ve been waitlisted, be sure to keep the admissions office updated on any new achievements, as this can significantly bolster your chances of moving off the waitlist.
Include information about recent awards, improved grades, new leadership roles, or significant projects. These updates can provide the admissions committee with a refreshed view of your profile and demonstrates your ongoing commitment to personal and academic growth.
If possible, include tangible evidence of your achievements, such as certificates or letters of recommendation from mentors or teachers who can speak to your recent accomplishments.
3. Write a Letter of Continued Interest
When you're waitlisted at your dream college, a well-crafted Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can be a critical tool in your application arsenal.
The purpose of a LOCI is threefold: to express your ongoing commitment to the school, to update the admissions office on significant achievements, and to reinforce why you are a compelling candidate for their program.
Writing an effective LOCI involves being genuine, concise, and focused. Ensure your letter is polished and free of errors, and tailor it to the specific school, highlighting your unique fit. Avoid being overly generic or including too much information, as this can dilute your message. Remember to follow any specific guidelines provided by the college for submitting additional materials.
A thoughtful LOCI can reinforce your suitability for the school and potentially increase your chances of moving off the waitlist. By articulating your continued interest and updating the admissions committee on your recent accomplishments, you can leave a positive impression that underscores your commitment to joining their academic community.
4. Maintain a Positive Attitude & Secure a Backup Plan
Even though a waitlist determination can be stressful, it's important to stay open-minded. Being waitlisted means the college sees potential in you, and remaining optimistic can help you stay motivated and engaged.
Instead of focusing on the waitlist determination from one school, use this time to explore other colleges and programs that may be a good fit for you. Sometimes, a different school can offer unexpected and exciting opportunities that align with your goals and interests.
If you’ve been accepted to another school of interest, make sure to secure your spot by paying the deposit and completing any necessary paperwork. This guarantees you have a place to go in the fall. Additionally, be sure to maintain open communication by letting the backup college know that you are still considering other options (i.e. your waitlisted school). This keeps your options flexible, in case you do get off the waitlist at your preferred institution.
It's important to view this period as a chance for personal growth and self-reflection. Take the time to think about what you want from your college experience and how you can continue to develop as a student and individual. Remember, being waitlisted doesn’t define your future; it’s just a step in your journey.
5. Seek Expert Advice
Consult with college admissions experts, like our team at Ivy Tutors. We can provide personalized advice, review your waitlist correspondence, and help you strategize next steps to increase your chances of admission.
Navigating the waitlist process can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Expert guidance can significantly enhance your chances of success.
How Ivy Tutors Can Help
Ivy Tutors offers comprehensive support for students navigating the college admissions process, including those who are waitlisted. Our services include:
Personalized Coaching: One-on-one guidance to craft compelling letters of continued interest and strengthen your application profile
Application Review: Expert feedback on your application to identify areas for improvement
Strategic Planning: Tailored strategies to enhance your candidacy and increase your chances of admission from the waitlist
Support and Encouragement: Ongoing support to help you stay motivated and positive throughout the waitlist period
Navigating the waitlist can be a daunting experience, but with the right approach and support, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity. Stay proactive, seek guidance, and keep your goals in sight. Whether you end up at your first-choice school or discover a new path, remember that your college journey is just beginning!
