Getting off the Waitlist

While students most often expect to be accepted or rejected by colleges, waitlisting is a more common response than ever, especially at selected schools. As college applications have increased, colleges struggle to predict their yield – how many students ultimately attend after being accepted. Moreover, they strive for a diverse class – they need a cellist for the orchestra, a certain number of international students, and a math whiz to drive the school’s research, among other goals for the class. Waitlists therefore help colleges manage their class size and class diversity. But for students who are waitlisted, it can be a frustrating experience leading to more uncertainty and waiting in an already stressful process. Fortunately, there are strategies students can pursue to bring their names to the top of the waitlist. 

1. Do Your Paperwork – it’s Low Hanging Fruit! 

This is an easy first step for students looking to get off of the waitlist – but it’s an important one not to miss. Many schools require students to “accept” their spot on the waitlist. Be sure to log into your portal and do so! 

To make your decision, you might consider other acceptances you’ve received, and how the school you have been waitlisted to compares. You might also consider the odds of getting off of the waitlist. While history is no guarantee, you can research whether the college has previously accepted many students off of the waitlist in previous years, or very few. That can help you level set your expectations and make a thoughtful decision – but often, there is no downside to accepting a spot on a waitlist. 

2. Send a Letter of Continued Interest

A letter of continued interest is an unwritten rule of the waitlist: it’s a must to send an email following up with the admissions office. That email should accomplish a few things: 

• Reaffirm your interest and fit: Deepen your research on the college and describe why it is the right fit for you and your interests. You might even mention professors you wish to work with, extracurricular activities you would like to participate in, and courses you’d be interested in taking. By making your reasoning specific to the college and personal, you can truly demonstrate fit, going far beyond language such as “I wish to study at the best college for Mathematics” or “I would like to study in New York City.”

• Describe any updates to your application: Share any new awards, improvements in grades, personal projects, test scores, or extracurricular accomplishments that have happened since your application. You may even go above and beyond and send an additional letter of recommendation.

• Express your appreciation: Tone is meaningful for any communication with a college admissions office, so be sure to express your appreciation for the admissions officer’s consideration of your application and maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout your communication. 

  
  

3. Keep Working Hard  

While you are on the waitlist, sending a letter of continued interest is wise very early in the process. However, after checking that off, it’s important to keep developing your application, from test scores to grades to extracurricular achievements. You can always send the college admissions office an update sharing your most recent accomplishments. 

4. Stay Positive, but have a Backup Plan

By following these strategies, you can maximize your chances of getting off of the waitlist. Many students get off of waitlists every year, so you should stay positive about your chances and give it your best. That being said, there is never a guarantee – some schools even reach capacity through regular admissions and cannot accept any students at all off of the waitlists. For this reason, students should always have a Plan B. 

Our team of experts at Hermiona is here to help you achieve your full potential. On a waitlist and don't know what to do? Why not sign up for a College Admissions Mentorship Session?