Navigating the College Waitlist

Hi, I'm feeling a bit anxious about the college admissions process and I'm trying to prepare for all scenarios. Can someone explain what it means to be waitlisted at a college?

I understand it's not a flat-out rejection, but how likely is it to actually get off the waitlist? Do I need to express continued interest or is it better to focus on other schools that accepted me? Also, if you have personal experiences with being waitlisted, I'd love to hear how it worked out for you. Thanks in advance!

Being waitlisted means that you have been neither accepted nor rejected from a college. Instead, you're in a state of limbo. The admissions office has decided that you are qualified to attend, but due to the number of available spots and unpredictability of how many accepted students will actually enroll, you're placed on a sort of standby list.

To put it bluntly, your odds of being accepted off the waitlist can vary drastically depending on the school and the year. Some years, certain schools may not admit any students from their waitlist, while other years, they may admit hundreds. Factors can include the yield rate of accepted students that year, the school's target for the size of the incoming class, and other institutional goals.

As for expressing continued interest, it is indeed encouraged to send a letter of continued interest, if the school allows it. This letter should express your continued interest in the school, any significant achievements since you submitted your application, and convey that if you're accepted, you would attend. However, the school's waitlist policy should be carefully reviewed before you take any action, as different schools have different rules. For example, some schools specifically request that you do not send additional materials or letters unless asked.

Even as you express your continued interest in your waitlisted school, it's critical to focus on the schools that have accepted you. Maintain your excitement and planning for those schools since they should be considered your main options at this moment. Make sure to fully commit to one of your accepted schools by May 1, the National College Decision Day.

Though I don't have personal experiences with being waitlisted, I've encountered numerous students who were eventually admitted from the waitlist, but I've also seen others who were not. It's a totally unpredictable process, just like college admissions itself. Hence, it's key to focus on the places where you've been admitted and to consider the waitlist as a potential bonus outcome rather than a guarantee.

Remember that all the colleges you've applied to have seen your potential and being waitlisted is not a negative reflection on you; it's just a particularly competitive and uncertain process. I hope this helps, and best of luck with all your colleges!