Harvard Waitlist Statistics

Yo! So I just got waitlisted at Harvard, and I'm feeling a little stressed about it. Can somebody provide any info about the past waitlist statistics? How many people usually get off the waitlist, and what are some strategies to increase my chances?

Hey there! First off, congratulations on getting waitlisted at Harvard. While it's not a direct acceptance, being waitlisted is still quite an achievement.

Now, let's discuss waitlist statistics. Over the past few years, the number of students offered a spot on Harvard's waitlist varies, and so does the number of students who get accepted off the waitlist. It's worth noting that this number can change dramatically based on the university's yield, which is the percentage of accepted students who decide to enroll. In years with low yield, the university may admit more students from the waitlist to fill the incoming class, while in years with high yield, they may admit very few or none at all.

In terms of strategies to improve your chances of getting off the waitlist, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Write a letter of continued interest (LOCI): This is a formal letter notifying Harvard of your intention to remain on the waitlist and updating them with any new information relevant to your application, such as academic achievements, awards, or extracurricular endeavors not previously mentioned in your application.

2. Stay on top of your academics: Even in your final semester of high school, it's crucial to maintain or even improve your GPA. Colleges like to see that you're committed to your studies and consistently perform well.

3. Request an additional letter of recommendation: If you have a teacher, coach, or mentor who can provide additional insight into your growth, character, or accomplishments since the initial application, consider asking them to write an additional recommendation letter in support of your waitlist candidacy.

4. Stay connected: If there are any events or opportunities to connect with the college's admission team or alumni, take advantage of those chances to express your interest and demonstrate why you'd be a great addition to their community. Just be cautious not to overwhelm or come across as pushy to the admissions team.

Keep in mind that even with these efforts, there's no guarantee of being admitted off the waitlist. The waitlist process can be unpredictable, and sometimes it comes down to the specific needs and wants of the institution. So, while you do your best to stay committed to Harvard, it's equally important to focus on your other options and be prepared to enroll elsewhere.

Good luck, and I hope this helps!