Details about UC Berkeley's Waitlist process?

I'm currently trying to plan out all possibilities and I realized that there's a chance I might get waitlisted at UC Berkeley, which is kinda scary. So I was wondering if any of you guys know the ins and outs of UC Berkeley's waitlist process?

UC Berkeley's waitlist procedure is indeed important for any potential applicant to understand. When you're waitlisted, it means the admissions committee recognizes your potential, but due to space limitations in the entering class, they cannot offer you an immediate admission place.

The way it works is, after regular admissions decisions are released, waitlisted students are subsequently offered admission as space becomes available. This could be because admitted students choose to attend other colleges, freeing up slots in the incoming class.

You will typically have to opt-into the waitlist via your UC Berkeley admissions portal within two weeks of receiving your waitlist notification. By opting in, you are expressing a continued interest in attending UC Berkeley.

Keep in mind that no additional application materials are requested when you're on the waitlist — except for students in specific contexts. For instance, you may be asked to provide mid-year grades. The UC System doesn't consider letters of recommendation for most applicants.

The number of students who eventually get an admission offer from the waitlist can vary greatly from one year to another. It could range from a few dozen to several hundred, depending on the yield rate of admitted students.

Unfortunately, you're likely to be in a state of uncertainty until late spring or early summer, as that's typically when admissions from the waitlist start.

Remember that while waitlisted, it's crucial to have a confirmed spot at another school that you're excited to attend. There's no guarantee of admission from the waitlist, so ensuring you have a firm university place elsewhere is essential.

Lastly, it's not a reflection on your abilities or accomplishments to be waitlisted or even denied admission. UC Berkeley is a top university with a competitive admissions process, and you're still an accomplished and talented student regardless of their decision. Hope this information helped, and best of luck with it all!