what to do if waitlisted

Hey guys! I got waitlisted at one of my top choice schools, but I don't really know what to do now. What steps can I take to increase my chances of being accepted off the waitlist? Should I send an update letter or just wait? Thanks for your help!

While it's not an outright acceptance, being on the waitlist still means you were considered a strong candidate. Here's what you can do to increase your chances of being accepted off the waitlist:

1. Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): This is a letter that communicates your ongoing enthusiasm for the school and reconfirms it as one of your top choices. Be sure to also include any updates on your achievements, extracurriculars, or academics since your initial application. Send this letter to the admissions office or the admissions officer who's responsible for your application. You can read more about how to write a strong LOCI on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/deferred-or-waitlisted-tips-for-writing-a-letter-of-continued-interest.

2. Maintain strong academic performance: Keep up the good work during your senior year. Admissions officers may review your final transcript before finalizing their waitlist decision, so make sure to maintain or improve your grades and course rigor in the final months of high school.

3. Connect with the college community: Follow the school's official social media channels, engage in any virtual events or webinars they host, and seek opportunities to interact with the college community. Demonstrating your genuine interest can make a positive impression on the admissions office.

4. Request a new recommendation letter: If you have a new recommender who can offer a fresh perspective on your achievements, character, or growth since your original application, consider asking them to write a recommendation letter on your behalf. However, you should only do so if this person's perspective could truly enhance your application - admissions officers won't appreciate you submitting redundant materials.

5. Stay positive and have a backup plan: While taking these steps can improve your chances, there's unfortunately no guarantee you'll be accepted off the waitlist. Make sure to have a backup plan, get excited about your other options, and ultimately accept an offer from another college. If you're eventually accepted off the waitlist, you'll be able to withdraw your commitment, but you don't want to put all your eggs in one basket.

Different schools have different waitlist policies, so be sure to check the specific school's requirements and preferred waitlist actions prior to sending anything in. Good luck, and hopefully, you'll get some good news in the future!