Yikes, I just found out that I got waitlisted at Michigan. Can anyone who has been through this process share some advice? Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of getting off the waitlist?
Sorry to hear that you're on the waitlist; it can be a bit stressful. However, don’t lose hope as being waitlisted means that the admissions committee recognizes your potential.
One thing you can do is write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). In this letter, you can express your strong desire to attend the University of Michigan and update them about any significant achievements, improvements in grades, or extracurricular activities since your initial application. Although a LOCI doesn't guarantee admission, it can demonstrate your commitment to the school.
Even as you send your LOCI, it would be best to also consider your other university offers. It might even be worth visiting those campuses if possible, researching programs, and contacting current students or faculty.
On another note, Michigan is a school that does consider demonstrated interest, so your LOCI could weigh in your favor. However, not every school weighs demonstrated interest the same way, so make sure to be aware of a school's specific policies.
Lastly, ensure you accept your position on the waitlist if Michigan requires you to do so, as some schools need this confirmation.
Remember, colleges often over-waitlist and may ultimately accept only a few students or even none from the waitlist, so balance your hope and pragmatism. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.