Getting Off the Waitlist - What Are My Chances?

Hey guys, I recently got waitlisted at one of my top-choice schools and I'm feeling a little anxious about it. Does anyone know the chances of getting off the waitlist, or what I can do to increase my chances? Any advice would be helpful!

First of all, congratulations on making it to the waitlist; it means the school thought highly of your application! The chances of being accepted off the waitlist can vary significantly based on the college and the specific year. Some colleges may accept a higher percentage of waitlisted students in certain years, while for others, the percentage could be very low. Unfortunately, there's no concrete way to predict your chances.

However, there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of being accepted off the waitlist:

1. Respond promptly: Make sure to respond to the college, indicating that you're still interested in attending and would accept an offer if given one. This is essential, as some colleges will only consider waitlisted applicants who have shown continued interest.

2. Update the college: If you have any new accomplishments since submitting your application, like improved grades, awards, or extracurricular achievements, inform the college. This could help demonstrate your continued growth and potential fit for the school.

3. Write a Letter of Continued Interest: A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a letter you send to the admissions office expressing your ongoing enthusiasm for the college and providing updated information about your application. Make sure the letter is personalized, specific to the college, and highlights any significant accomplishments or reasons why you would be a good fit for the school.

4. Request an additional recommendation letter: If you have a teacher, coach, or mentor who can provide a strong recommendation that wasn't included in your initial application, consider asking them to write a letter on your behalf. This new perspective might help bolster your application.

5. Prepare for other options: While you're doing everything you can to get off the waitlist, it's essential to have backup plans. Secure your spot at another college by submitting your deposit before the deadline, and be open to attending your second-choice school.

Remember, while you can take these steps to increase your chances, there are no guarantees. Admissions decisions can be unpredictable, and waitlisted applicants often face a lot of uncertainty. Best of luck, and I hope everything works out for you!