Waitlisted! Now What?
Spread the Knowledge. Share: 
When your top-choice college puts you on a waitlist, it can feel like a denial, but you still might have a chance of getting in. Here’s how to determine your next steps.
What does “waitlisted” mean?
College waitlists include qualified students who might be admitted if room in the class becomes available. Why do colleges use waitlists? Because colleges know that some students they admit will turn them down. If more students say "no thanks" than they expect, the college turns to its waitlist to find more qualified students.
What are your chances of being admitted off a college waitlist?
Your chances of being admitted off a college waitlist vary widely among colleges and may vary significantly from year to year at the same college. For example, for the application year 2024-2025, the University at Buffalo placed 4,267 students on its waitlist and admitted 706 (16.5 percent). The following year it placed 2,355 students on the waitlist and admitted 106 ( 4.5 percent).
College admissions consulting firm College Kickstart reviewed a sample of waitlist statistics from 68 public and private institutions and found that on average, 26 percent of students applying for the Class of 2028 who accepted a place on a waitlist were admitted. Of the schools sampled, 39 percent of them admitted 10 percent or less of their waitlisted students.
Your waitlist letter might include how many students the college has in the past admitted off the waitlist. If it doesn’t, ask the admissions office. You can also look up waitlist statistics for different schools using CollegeData’s College Search tool. If the college reported its waitlist data, you’ll find it in its college profile under the Admissions tab.
What to do right away if you are waitlisted
-
Formally accept your spot on the waitlist. You may need to do this in the college admissions portal or another way. Follow the directions supplied by the college.
-
Submit your enrollment deposit to a college that accepted you and that you want to attend. This guarantees you a spot and gives you breathing room to consider your next steps.
-
Mentally commit to that school. Even if you stay on the waitlist at your first-choice, your chances of getting admitted from the waitlist may be low. Get excited about attending the school that accepted you.
-
Do you need financial aid from the college? If you need financial aid, be aware that the college may have exhausted its aid allotment for that year. Contact the admissions or financial aid office and ask whether there are any financial aid limitations for students admitted off the waitlist.
-
Check the school’s policies about following up. Many college admissions professionals advise students to contact the college to express their interest and/or send updates about their recent accomplishments. However, some colleges don’t want unsolicited materials, or they want students to respond on a specific form. Make sure you follow the school’s directions.
-
Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI), if the college accepts them. In your LOCI, you should state that if you are accepted, you will, without question, attend the school. It's also important to mention specific reasons why you continue to believe the school is the best fit for you and why you are a great fit for the college. Mention anything new that you’ve accomplished, such as a recent academic project, increase in your GPA, or new leadership role. See this post for tips on how to write a strong LOCI.
-
Arrange for a new recommendation letter (if the college will accept one). Ask someone who hasn't already written a recommendation letter for you and who can add new insights into your character or academic achievements that your other recommenders didn’t mention.
-
Don't be a pest or appear desperate, even if you feel that way!
Don't get trapped in waitlist limbo
If you were not admitted to any of the colleges on your list or into any colleges that you want to attend, it’s important to consider a back-up plan. This might include taking a gap year or attending community college and transferring later to a four-year school.
Otherwise, start planning your new life at the college you have accepted and enjoy your senior year. If the college that waitlisted you gives you the nod, terrific! If not, embrace the school you will be attending in the fall, knowing it’s a school you applied to for good reasons and one that wanted you all along.
