Wait List

About Wait Lists

Because colleges can't be sure how many of their admitted students will ultimately enroll, they may keep wait lists. If they have not filled their classes by May 1 with accepted students, they may then turn to wait-list students.

Wait lists are frequently unranked because colleges are often trying to maintain a sort of balance in their admitted class. For instance, if their two most promising tuba players choose not to attend, the college may be especially interested in admitting another tuba player off the wait list.

Among students who choose to stay on the wait list, about 30% get accepted. Still, that doesn't mean your chances are simply 30%. The statistics vary from school to school and year to year. In addition, the kind of students that a school takes off its wait list vary, as you can see from the tuba player example discussed above.

What to do if Wait-Listed

What should you do if you're placed on the wait list, yet are hoping to get in?

Accept another offer. Students are required to accept an offer of admission by May 1, but schools don't start taking students off the wait list until after that. As a result, you must be sure to accept one school's offer by May 1, even if you're still hoping to be accepted off the wait list elsewhere. If you eventually get off the wait list at your preferred school, you can forfeit your previous deposit and go there instead.

Follow instructions. If the school that wait-listed you asks you to fill out a form or submit additional materials, do so.

Send a wait list letter. Write a 1-2 page letter that is sincere but not emotional. In it, address the following questions:

• Are a good match for the school? Are there new developments (grades, involvements, awards, etc.) that show you would be a great addition to the community?
• Is the school is a good match for you? What about the school are you especially excited about, specifically?
• Will you attend if selected? Is this school your #1 choice?

Reconnect every 3-4 weeks via email or snail mail if you have any new information to share.