What if I’m waitlisted?
Shelly Humbach • Mar 13, 2020
By now, application decisions should be rolling in to your inbox/mailbox. If you haven’t already heard back from all your schools, the wait is almost over. Most colleges aim to have final decisions to everyone who applied before April 1. But what if your “final” decision isn’t so final?... What does it mean to be on the waitlist?
Why do colleges have waitlists? Can’t they just say yes or no?
With students applying to more and more schools, it’s become more difficult for colleges to predict how many of their admitted students will actually enroll. Students are being accepted to many colleges – but you can only enroll at one. That means many students who have been admitted to the college are not going to attend.
Enrollment targets are a serious issue for colleges – too many students result in overcrowded dorms and classroom, but not enough can mean funding shortages. If a college realizes they may fall short of their enrollment target, they can accept students from their waitlist to fill the gap.
So – I'm on the waitlist. What should I do?
Essentially, you can reply to the waitlist offer one of two ways:
1. “No, thanks!” Although the college offered you a spot on their waitlist, you are not obligated to accept that offer. Maybe the school that waitlisted you is not your first choice – if so, no big deal. You can let the college know that you do not plan to remain on their waitlist.
2. “Yes, I’m willing to wait.” If you think this school might really be the one, let them know that you are interested in waiting. Follow the reply directions in your decision to confirm you intend to remain on the waitlist. It’s also a great idea to follow up with a personal email to tell the school – if they accept you from the waitlist you intend to enroll (only do this if it’s true). You can also reiterate why you think this college is such a good fit and ask if any additional information like new SAT/ACT scores, senior year final grades, etc. could help to improve your chances of admission from the waitlist.
You should seriously consider all of the admission offers you receive. Schedule visits, compare financial aid packages, talk with your parents and your counselor, make a pro/con list, etc. You have to confirm your enrollment with a college by May 1 (that’s the National Candidates Reply Date). Most schools won’t make decisions about their waitlist until after May 1.
In addition, there are typically only a small number of students admitted from the waitlist (sometimes not any). You should confirm your enrollment with one of the colleges that has admitted you (even if you stay on the waitlist at another college). It’s hard to hear that you are on the waitlist (especially if it was your first choice), but maybe it’s an opportunity to get excited about a school that really wants you (and hopefully they offered you great financial aid to prove it). Many colleges can be a good fit if you have the right mindset.
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