Being waitlisted feels like the ultimate “maybe.” It’s not a no, but it’s not the yes you were hoping for either. It’s frustrating, it’s confusing, and it puts you in a weird limbo. But here’s the thing: being waitlisted means the college sees potential in you. You’re good enough to be in their pool—they just don’t have space yet.
So, what do you do now? Sit back and wait for a decision? Absolutely not. Being waitlisted is an opportunity to take action, advocate for yourself, and show the school why you belong there. Let’s break it down so you know exactly how to handle this.
What Does Being Waitlisted Actually Mean?
First, let’s clear up the confusion: being waitlisted doesn’t mean you’re “less than” the students who were accepted. Colleges create waitlists to manage enrollment. If too many accepted students decline their spots, they turn to the waitlist to fill those gaps.
Some colleges rank their waitlists, meaning your position depends on where you land in their priority order. Others don’t rank at all, and decisions are based on who fits the institution’s needs when space opens up.
The number of students who get off the waitlist varies every year. Some years, colleges accept dozens of waitlisted students. Other years, they don’t admit anyone. It depends on enrollment numbers, yield rates, and institutional priorities like diversity or specific academic programs.
Being waitlisted isn’t a rejection. It’s a sign the college sees you as a strong candidate. Now it’s up to you to show them why they should say yes.
Should You Stay on the Waitlist?
Not everyone decides to stay on a waitlist—and that’s okay. Whether you stay depends on how much you want to attend that specific school and what your other options look like.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Do I really want to go to this school? If it’s a top choice, staying on the list is worth considering. If your enthusiasm has waned, it’s okay to focus on other acceptances.
- What are my chances? Look up the school’s waitlist history. Do they typically admit waitlisted students? If not, it might be better to move forward with another offer.
- How do my other options compare? You’ve probably already been accepted to some great schools. Compare their offers—financial aid, location, programs—and ask yourself if you’d be happy committing to one of those schools instead.
Even if you stay on a waitlist, don’t put all your eggs in that basket. Commit to another school by May 1st to secure your spot. You can always switch if you get off the waitlist later.
Steps to Take If You Accept a Waitlist Offer
If you’re going to stay on the waitlist, don’t sit back and hope for the best. You need to take active steps to advocate for yourself.
1. Accept Your Spot on the Waitlist
This might sound obvious, but colleges often require you to confirm that you want to stay on the waitlist. Follow their instructions—log in to the portal, fill out the form, or whatever they ask. Missing this step means you’re out, so don’t let it slip.
2. Commit to Another School
Remember: waitlist decisions usually come after May 1st. That means you need a backup plan. Choose a school where you’ve been accepted, submit your deposit, and treat it as if that’s where you’ll be going.
3. Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
This is your chance to remind the admissions office why you’re a great fit. A strong LOCI should:
- Reaffirm your enthusiasm: Tell them why this school is still your first choice. Be specific—mention programs, opportunities, or aspects of the campus culture that excite you.
- Update them on your achievements: Share anything new since you applied, like improved grades, awards, or leadership roles.
- Keep it professional and concise: One page is plenty.
4. Provide Additional Materials
If the school allows it, send updated transcripts or a new recommendation letter. Choose a recommender who can add something fresh to your application—maybe a coach, boss, or teacher who knows you in a different context.
5. Stay Engaged, But Don’t Overdo It
It’s okay to check in with the admissions office once or twice to show your interest. Just don’t cross the line into pestering. A polite email after submitting your LOCI and one follow-up closer to decision time is enough.
These steps show you’re serious about attending and that you’re still growing and achieving, even after submitting your application.
What NOT to Do When Waitlisted
Let’s talk about mistakes that can hurt your chances:
- Don’t bombard the admissions office. Repeated calls or emails will annoy them, not impress them.
- Don’t ignore your other options. Even if you’re waitlisted at your dream school, treat your other acceptances as equally important.
- Don’t miss deadlines. You still need to meet deposit deadlines for another school, even if you’re holding out hope for the waitlist.
How to Stay Positive While You Wait
Waiting is the hardest part, but staying positive and focused will make it easier.
- Keep Exploring Your Options: Dive into the schools where you’ve been accepted. Attend admitted student events, connect with future classmates, and imagine yourself thriving there.
- Remember Why You Got This Far: Being waitlisted is still an accomplishment. It means the college sees you as a strong candidate, even if they can’t offer a spot right now.
- Stay Busy: Focus on finishing high school strong, enjoying senior year, and preparing for the next chapter—wherever that may be.
How Invictus Prep Can Help
At Invictus Prep, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate the college waitlist process, but with the right strategy, you can take control of your situation and improve your chances.
Our College Readiness Specialists work with you to craft a standout Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) that highlights your enthusiasm for the school and updates your achievements, while also helping you evaluate your options by comparing schools, financial aid packages, and other critical factors to make the best decision.
Whether you ultimately get off the waitlist or not, we can help ensure you’re prepared to succeed and make the most of your college experience from day one.
Schedule a free consultation with Invictus Prep today!
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