How Does UCSB Waitlist work?

So I'm worried about being waitlisted at UCSB and I'm a bit lost on what to expect if it happens. Does anyone know how the process works? Does UCSB usually admit a good number from the waitlist?

When you're placed on the UCSB waitlist, it means that the admissions committee saw potential in your application, but due to space constraints, they were not able to offer you a spot in the incoming class right away. After May 1st, which is the deadline for admitted students to accept their offers, the admissions office will have a better idea of how many spots are left open. Then, they will start extending offers to students on the waitlist, should any vacancies arise.

The number of students admitted from the waitlist varies greatly from year to year, largely because it depends on the number of admitted students who accept their offer to attend UCSB. Some years the number may be significant, while other years it could be very small.

As for the process, it's important to ensure you've taken all necessary steps to affirm your desire to remain on the waitlist, as UCSB requires some kind of confirmation. Keep in mind that you can be removed from the waitlist if you miss any deadlines for submitting necessary documents or updates.

While on the waitlist, you can feel free to reach out to the admissions office with any significant updates to your application (like improved senior year grades or a new achievement) or to express your continued interest in UCSB.

Lastly, it's also crucial to have a backup plan. Accept a spot at another school where you've been accepted to ensure you have somewhere to go in the fall, even if UCSB does not eventually offer you a spot. You'll be able to withdraw from your backup school if you do subsequently get accepted to UCSB off the waitlist. But remember to keep track of all declining, withdrawing, or accepting deadlines at all schools where you have been accepted or waitlisted to manage the process in a timely manner.