Waitlisted: Should I be worried?

I've just been waitlisted by my dream school. Does this mean there's no hope left? How bad is it to be waitlisted and what should my next steps be?

The answer to whether you should be worried really depends on your perspective. Being waitlisted certainly isn't the ideal scenario - it's not an outright acceptance, and each college handles its waitlist differently, with some admitting a fair number of students off the waitlist, and others admitting very few or even none.

However, being waitlisted isn't the end of your chances either. A waitlist offer means that the admissions committee saw potential in your application, and while there wasn't enough room in the incoming class, you were still in contention.

In terms of what you should do next, it's best to consider a few critical steps:

1. Confirm your place on the waitlist: If you really want to attend this school, make sure you follow the instructions to officially opt-in to the waitlist.

2. Stay optimistic, but be realistic: Being waitlisted is not a guarantee of eventual admission. Importantly, make sure you're fully committed to a 'Plan B'—that is, a college where you have been accepted.

3. Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): This is an opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the school, and update them on any significant achievements or developments since your application.

4. Keep your grades up: If there's a chance you'll move off the waitlist, the school will want to see that you're maintaining your academic performance.

5. Finally, remember to wait: The school will let you know if any spots open up, and you move off the waitlist. This can happen anytime from May (after the traditional May 1 admission response deadline) through mid-summer.

While the wait can be nerve-wracking, remember that college admissions outcomes are not a judgment of your value as a person or a student. The right college experience is out there for you, whether it’s at your dream school or somewhere else you may grow to love.