So, you’ve completed your college applications, you’ve sent them off, and now you’re faced with the waiting game. But what happens if, instead of an acceptance or rejection, you receive a waitlist notification? It’s a scenario many students find themselves in, and it can be confusing and frustrating to navigate. Additionally, there is also the possibility that the deposit deadline will come up before you hear back from the university where you are waitlisted. Don’t panic just yet. There are steps you can take to handle this situation effectively.
What Is a College Waitlist?
A college waitlist is a backup list of qualified applicants that admissions officers maintain when they cannot immediately offer admission to their incoming class.
When schools review applications, they face the challenge of predicting how many accepted students will actually enroll. Since not every admitted student will choose to attend, schools will offer any remaining spots in their enrollment to students on the waitlist.
Alicia from Zinkerz’s team explains it best: ‘If not enough students decide to come, the college can offer spots to people on the waitlist. It’s how they make sure they have the right number of students enrolled at the start of the school year.’
The waitlist process varies significantly between institutions. Some colleges maintain small, highly selective waitlists, while others may place hundreds of students on their list. The rate at which waitlisted applicants ultimately gain admission also differs from school to school and year to year.
Most colleges notify waitlisted students in late May or June, once they have assessed their enrollment numbers. However, some schools, like the University of Michigan and UC schools, release waitlist results in waves throughout the summer. This means you could hear back in June, July, or even August, sometimes just before classes begin.
Deferred vs Waitlisted: What’s the Difference
Many students confuse being deferred with being waitlisted. Here’s the difference:
Deferred typically occurs during the early admissions process (Early Decision or Early Action). When you’re deferred, your application was reviewed during the Early Action or ED round, but the college wants to reconsider. You’re not rejected. The school simply wants to see how you perform compared to the rest of the applicant pool.
Waitlisted, on the other hand, means that your application was reviewed during the regular decision round, and you were not admitted immediately. However, the college may offer you a spot later if space becomes available after they review the number of accepted students who choose to enroll.
What to Do If You Are Waitlisted
First, it’s essential to understand that being waitlisted is not a bad thing. It means that the college sees you as a strong applicant. You met their standards and made a good impression. Alicia shares more on how to navigate college waitlists.
If you get waitlisted, don’t just wait passively for the outcome. Here are a few things you can do:
Accept Your Spot on the Waitlist
Do this as soon as possible. Most colleges require you to formally accept your position on the waitlist if you’re interested in being considered for admission. This is typically done through your applicant portal or by returning a specific form. Don’t delay this step, as some schools have deadlines for waitlist acceptance.
Send a Letter of Continued Interest
Send a letter of continued interest to the admissions office to show your enthusiasm and update them on any new achievements. This proactive step can increase your chances of being admitted from the waitlist.
Provide Additional Materials
If possible, provide the school with any additional materials they allow (like updated grades, new awards, or recent accomplishments). All of the above tips are what our counselors at Zinkerz advise waitlisted students to do.
‘Focus on what you can control: sending a letter of continued interest, updating the school on any new achievements, and following the college’s instructions carefully,’ says Alicia.
Commit to Another School
Being on a waitlist provides no guarantee of admission, so securing your spot at another school ensures you’ll have somewhere to attend in the fall. Ultimately, you may need to decide to hear back from the waitlisted school. Consider the information available to you at the time and choose the option that aligns best with your academic and personal goals.
How to Manage Deposit Deadlines
Now, let’s address the situation of deposit deadlines at other colleges. It’s not uncommon for schools to require accepted students to submit a deposit to secure their spot in the incoming class. But what if the deposit deadline for one of these schools falls before you hear back from the waitlisted institution?
- Prioritize Deposits
If you have multiple acceptance offers with deposit deadlines looming, prioritize the schools that you’re most certain about attending. Submitting a deposit doesn’t necessarily mean you’re committed to attending that school, but it does secure your spot while you wait for decisions from other colleges.
- Consider Financial Aid
Take into account any financial aid packages or scholarships offered by the schools with approaching deposit deadlines. Factor in the financial implications of your decision, especially if you’re waiting to hear back from a school that may offer more favorable aid.
- Communicate with Admissions Offices
If you’re placed on a waitlist and facing a deposit deadline elsewhere, don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions offices involved. Explain your situation and inquire about any options or accommodations they may offer.
How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
A well-crafted letter of continued interest can be a powerful tool for waitlisted students. This letter reaffirms your enthusiasm for the school and provides any significant updates since your original application. Here’s what to include:
Express gratitude: This sets a positive, respectful tone for your letter.
State your continued interest: Clearly state that the college remains your top choice school and explain why you want to attend. Be specific about what attracts you to the university and how you see yourself contributing to the campus community.
Share new achievements: Include any new achievements since your original application. These can include awards, improved grades, projects, and extracurricular activities.
Be professional: Admissions officers are busy, especially during waitlist season. Your letter should be no more than one page and get straight to the point.
Show specific knowledge: Demonstrate that you’ve done your homework about the school. Reference specific programs, professors, research opportunities, or campus initiatives that align with your interests and goals.
Address it appropriately: Send your letter to the admissions office or the specific admissions counselor. Some schools have specific guidelines about waitlist communication, so check their website or contact the admissions office for guidance.
Discover Waitlist Strategies and Much More
Getting waitlisted can be a stressful experience, especially when faced with deposit deadlines at other colleges. However, by understanding the waitlist process, staying informed, and communicating effectively with admissions offices, you can navigate this situation with confidence. Remember that regardless of the outcome, you can make the most of your college experience wherever you end up.
Need further assistance navigating the college application process? Schedule a free consultation with Zinkerz. Our experienced team can provide personalized guidance and support to help you achieve your academic goals.
