The Wait List
Colleges may put you on a wait list if you meet their admission requirements, but they've already admitted the maximum number of applicants they can accommodate for an admission cycle. You may or may not be offered a place in the class -- it will depend upon how many places become available and where you are on the wait list.
Colleges use the wait list in very different ways – make sure to read the decision letter carefully. Many colleges will ask you to let them know if you are interested in staying on their wait list and will require a response by a specific deadline. Some colleges will provide information about whether they rank their wait list and what you should (or shouldn’t) submit.
Typically, colleges don't decide who will be admitted from the wait list until the May 1 decision deadline has passed. You should prepare to attend another school by completing appropriate paperwork and submitting a non-refundable deposit so that you are assured enrollment for next fall. If you're accepted off of the wait list, you will forfeit your deposit at the first school and be required to submit a deposit to the second.
What is the wait list?
The wait list is formed by applicants who are qualified for admission, but were not offered a place in a college’s class, initially. After May 1, colleges look at the number of students who’ve sent in deposits and then determine if they can accept more students. Colleges can use the wait list to create a more diverse or well-rounded class. For example, if a school is concerned about gender balance, diversity initiatives, or enrollment in specific majors, the wait list can act as a means to meet the school’s priorities.
Should I stay on the wait list?
If you get a wait list notice, decide whether you really want to attend that school before you agree to remain on the list. If this school isn’t a top choice, don’t stay on the wait list – you may end up taking a spot from someone who truly wants to be there. Sometimes it is difficult emotionally to stay on a wait list, not knowing what the final outcome is going to be. In the meantime, though, choose another school while wait to hear if you are eventually admitted to the school that waitlisted you.
When should I expect to hear about my wait list status?
Any wait list movement typically takes place after May 1 – the National Candidates’ Reply Date. If you're eventually accepted, you often get only a few days to decide. Also investigate the conditions attached to being wait-listed; you may lose priority housing or financial aid options.
Who should contact the admission office with questions?
All contact with admission offices regarding the wait list should come from the student. Students may ask to use a phone in their school or college counselor’s office. Certainly any letter written to an admission office should be authored and signed the by the applicant.
What are appropriate next steps?
· Get a better sense of your chances of admission.
o Colleges sometimes rank wait lists. The higher you rank on the list, the better your chances are of being accepted. Contact the admissions office to find out if it ranks wait-listed students or if it has a priority list. Most admissions officers are willing to tell you your status.
· Contact the admission office by E-mail, phone or letter.
o Being wait-listed means that the school has already determined you are qualified for admission. You could provide an update on recent accomplishments or activities that were not part of your initial application. You could emphasize your strong desire to attend the college and make a case for why you're a good fit and what you feel that you have to offer. You could also indicate that if you are accepted, you will enroll, but such a promise should be made only if it’s true!
· Study hard.
o This is no time to slack off. If you're wait-listed, you may be reevaluated based on your third- and fourth-quarter grades.
· Stay involved.
o Show admissions officers you're committed to sports, clubs, and other activities.
· Realize that you've already achieved something.
o You were wait-listed, not turned away. Many students were not as successful.
· Reconsider the colleges that accepted you.
o Thoughtfully select another school and submit your deposit. Get excited about it, learn more about it and plan to attend! If the college that waitlisted you offers you admission, you can consider both options at that time.