What To Do If You Are Waitlisted

I was originally planning on writing a broader reflection of this application year, but I decided I needed more time to think about it, not to mention research. It seems like every year, colleges have to update their “most competitive year ever” announcements and I do have some thoughts about this, but maybe now isn’t the time. Instead, I will focus on something a little more pressing for many students–the waitlist process. The unfortunate reality is that the waitlist is standard practice for most colleges now. It leaves students in a difficult position, but there are a few things you can do in response. 

Why make students wait?

Colleges would love nothing more than to provide immediate resolution to all students. Seniors, you’ve probably received at least some resolution in the form of good or bad news. Unfortunately, it is impossible for colleges to predict how many students to admit to hit their target number of enrollees. Significantly overenrolling would be borderline catastrophic. There’s only so much housing on campus. Underenrolling, however, at least has a solution in place. Yep, the waitlist. 

In the same way that colleges have increased the number of deferred students who applied early (especially early action), the waitlist is also used for enrollment management. I don’t have specific data as to whether or not the number of waitlisted students have increased, but from the eye test, it sure seems like it.

What to do if you are waitlisted

Follow their instructions: The first (and perhaps only thing) to do is read the waitlist instructions the college gives you. Some colleges have specific directions to follow if you want to be taken off the waitlist. It might be something as simple as checking a box or they may even provide a space for you to add anything you want to say. Take advantage of this space, whether it’s to communicate your interest in the school or specific major or provide updates from your original application.

Reach out to the admissions rep for your territory (only if it’s allowed): If a school explicitly states that they do not encourage any additional correspondence, then you’ve done all you can do. However, if they do not mention that and you have the contact info of the admission rep, there is no harm in reaching out directly to them to express your interest. If you decide to reach out, please be mindful of the rep’s time. They will likely be receiving emails from other students. Be forthcoming yet concise. Your updates can include 3rd quarter grades if you had an upward trend in grades. If you feel a particular connection with the school or you 100% know that you would attend if taken off the waitlist, state that directly. A dissertation will not benefit you. 

Be excited about your current options: Perhaps easier said than done, but you have to embrace your current reality. Colleges won’t know if they are going to their waitlist until after May 1, so you will have to commit to one of your options and follow additional instructions regarding housing, orientation, etc. Another reality is that a college may not go to their waitlist at all if they hit or exceed their target. Keep one other thing in mind–if you applied early and were deferred and then waitlisted months later, how much longer are you willing to be strung along?

A few things not to do

If it has to be said, do not call admissions directly to express your frustration or ask for specific information. As a former admission officer, I received my share of angry phone calls, but even the relatively polite ones came across as passive aggressive at best. At the very core of college admissions is the desire to construct a well-rounded class. Decisions are subjective, but not random. 

Along the same lines, do not question anyone else’s admission to or denial from a school. Especially in smaller high school communities, speculation tends to run rampant, but no one knows the full story. Only the admission committee was part of the conversation. It’s not that you have to feign happiness for anyone else’s admission, but at least do not be the bitter one who ends up being the new topic of conversation. 

Take notes, Class of 2023

As a new admission cycle begins, you will start to hear more about what happened this year. Information about specific colleges will also start being available over the next few months. The admissions landscape has changed significantly, even within the past couple of years, and that affects you directly. A balanced college list will be more important than ever.