What to Do if Your Application Has Been Waitlisted

After the long process of college applications, it can be tough to be waitlisted at one of your top choice colleges. The first thing to do is to decide if you want to accept a place on the college's waitlist. If you have been accepted to one or more colleges that you would attend over the waitlist school, feel free to choose not to remain on the waitlist. Get an idea of your chances of getting off the waitlist by checking the historical data of how many students are typically accepted off the waitlist at that specific college. Some colleges use their waitlists more than others. You can accept a spot on more than one waitlist.

If you choose to accept a place on the waitlist, check the college's portal for instructions (including the deadline) and follow them. Some colleges will allow an update or additional letter of recommendation, while others simply allow a student to check a box. Certain colleges do not want any updates or additional materials, sending anything extra to those schools will not increase your chances of getting off the waitlist.

If allowed by the college, submit a letter or other form of acceptable update reiterating your specific reasons for wanting to attend that college. Include any updates on current grades and activities, including anything related to your chosen area of study in college. Let the college know if you are committed to attending if admitted. Keep the update brief to ensure that it will be read.

Once on the waitlist, you should not expect to hear back on waitlist decisions until after May 1st. Most colleges want to close their books on the current admissions class by the middle of July (at the latest). In the meantime, spend time learning about the colleges where you have been accepted. You will need to commit to one of those colleges by May 1st. Get excited about the college you choose, even if you are on waitlists for other schools.

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