1. Getting a Waitlisted notification means “No, for right now. We need to see who decides to attend before considering your application for admission.” In other words, it is a soft denial for the time being.

a. The complementary aspect of this decision is that you’re possibly still eligible for admission. However, due to capacity issues, they have accepted other students and will wait until they have heard from all students planning to attend before deciding if they’ll go to their waitlist.

b. Please remember colleges have operational guidelines they need to meet and often use the waitlist as an enrollment management tool.

2. Typically, after the May 1st deadline to submit a student’s intent to enroll, the college will see if they have any additional space in their incoming freshmen class. If they do, they will begin taking students off the waitlist and offering them admission.

Common Questions And What To Do Next:

1. When will I find out if I get off the waitlist?

a. Typically, 1-3 weeks after May 1st. The colleges need time to evaluate if they have additional space.

2. Do colleges take students off their waitlist?

a. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. It depends on the year and how good they are at determining the percentage of students that decide to attend their university vs. how many they’ve accepted.

3. How can I increase my chances of getting off the waitlist?

a. Colleges will let you know if there is any other course of action for you once they notify you of being placed on the waitlist.

 i. This can include adding your name to an online list, sending an additional essay, or even submitting a recommendation letter.

4. What should I do in the meantime?

a. Assume this is a soft denial; do what the colleges tell you to in order to be considered, but for all intents and purposes, get excited about your other options and make sure to submit your intent to enroll at another university.

Note: It is always wise to submit a deposit to another institution and ensure you have a place somewhere. Do not hold out for an admission offer from a school you have been waitlisted to; this is the time to make plans with another school you’ve been accepted to.

Remember that if you have been waitlisted, you have not been denied admission. It’s as if you have been asked to stay in the waiting room a little longer, pending an ultimate decision. As with any waiting period, use the time wisely. Improve or maintain your academic performance. Make sure you have alternate plans with another school, and don’t despair. Being waitlisted is frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world.