Waitlisted? Here Are 7 Tips!
April 22, 2023 | By Daniel Strom
You spent years building your candidacy to develop a strong academic and extracurricular profile. Once senior year came around, it took months for you to put together the perfect essays that captured your unique voice and essence. However, once admissions decisions were released, you didn’t get the news you were hoping for.
“Waitlisted.”
The good news? It’s not a rejection, and many colleges admit from their waitlist each year.
The bad news? The process to get admitted from the waitlist is less than transparent.
Being waitlisted is an accomplishment, even though it is not the news you were looking for. It means the admissions officers have recognized you as a suitable candidate with the ability to survive the rigors of their university. Some schools even use the waiting list as a strategy for yield protection, meaning they may fear that you will not accept their admissions offer due to being overqualified. In these circumstances, it is especially important to show your continued interest in enrolling there.
“What can I do to ultimately get admitted?”
1. Accept your spot on the waitlist immediately
This is typically done through the admissions portal, though some colleges may request an email from you. Make sure you read your admissions letter carefully.
2. Check whether this college is open to receiving additional information from you
Some colleges will gladly accept updates from you about your candidacy and continued interest in attending. However, others will explicitly state that they do not welcome these materials. If your letter does not mention anything about this, check the college’s website (they often include a FAQ section about waitlists). I know it can be tempting to check in with admissions consistently, but doing this when it is advised against can hurt your chances of being admitted.
3. If the college is open to receiving updates from you, write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI).
This is imperative. Did you recently win an award or start a new project or job? It is also important to reemphasize your interest in the college without reiterating everything you mentioned in your “Why School” supplemental essay. What have you recently discovered about the university that you did not write about in your essays? Is there a particular professor whom you want to conduct research with? Is there a specific student organization you want to participate in? What can you contribute to the campus that you haven’t already expressed? Make sure you express your intention to enroll if you are ultimately accepted.
4. Let the Letter of Continued Interest sit for a few days.
I know being waitlisted is an anxiety-inducing process, and you must be eager to send it in immediately. However, think about whether this is the ideal time to do so. Does your letter contain genuine material that depicts you as a stronger candidate, or is it mostly fluff? The latter is not going to do you any good. Do you have any upcoming competitions or potential awards within the next few weeks? If this is the case, you may want to wait before hastily sending in a haphazard letter.
5. Open and reply to all emails coming from the college.
Yes, colleges can track if you open their emails.
6. Research the admissions officer assigned to your region.
Again, this only applies if the college is open to continued contact from waitlisted applicants. Most admissions officers will read and evaluate applications for specific counties, states, or regions. Do a quick search on the admissions website to see who is assigned to your area.
7. Contact the admissions officer
Ideally, engaging in a phone conversation is the most effective approach. When the admissions officer hears your voice, you transform from a mere applicant into a genuine student, showcasing your skills, enthusiasm, and dedication to the institution. You want to sound enthusiastic about attending, not desperate. If a phone call isn't feasible, opt for an email instead.
Overall, the waitlist process is not as grim as it may seem. Yes, luck plays a role, but so can persistence. Institutions will assess their needs based on enrollment deposits, demographics, majors, and available financial aid. If you align with their requirements and follow these tips, you'll stand a better chance of being admitted off the waitlist.
Remember, colleges typically finalize their classes by mid-June. Ensure you secure your enrollment deposit at one institution by May 1st to guarantee a spot for your freshman year. While waitlists aren't used every year, perseverance can sometimes create the outcome you’re hoping for!
About Daniel Strom
Daniel Strom co-founded Elite Scholar Advising, which provides tailored advice to college applicants worldwide. He is a proud graduate of Northwestern University and the Kellogg School of Management, where he also developed admissions experience through his role as an admissions representative. In addition, he also served on the Northwestern Alumni Admissions Interviewing Council. Daniel has helped hundreds of college applicants across the world realize their full potential by gaining admission to their dream schools.