Hey, I've been trying to figure out Harvard's waitlist statistics. How many people do they usually waitlist each year, and what are the chances of actually getting accepted from the waitlist?
Hey there! The number of students that Harvard waitlists each year can vary significantly, as it depends on many factors such as how many students they accept in their Early Action round, the size of the regular decision applicant pool, and how many spots they estimate will need to be filled. However, historically, Harvard's waitlist can range from a few hundred to around a thousand students.
As for the chances of getting accepted off the waitlist, this also varies each year. In some years, Harvard may accept a decent number of students, while in others, they may admit only a few or even none at all. Generally speaking, the acceptance rate for waitlisted students at highly selective schools like Harvard tends to be quite low—often in the single-digit percentages.
It's important to keep in mind that being waitlisted is not necessarily the end of the road, and you shouldn't lose hope. However, it's also smart to have backup plans and to prepare for the possibility that you may not be accepted off the waitlist. If you are really interested in attending Harvard, you can submit a letter of continued interest to let them know you're still committed to attending if offered a spot, but focus on excelling at the school you choose to attend as well.
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