The Waiting Game: What to Do if You're Waitlisted

Getting waitlisted at your dream school can feel like limbo. But don’t just sit back and hope for the best—there are steps you can take to improve your chances of admission. If your GPA, course rigor, and test scores make you a competitive candidate, now is the time to reinforce your interest to the admissions committee.

What Does It Mean to Be Waitlisted?

Being placed on a waitlist means you have strong academic credentials, but the school simply didn’t have enough spots for all qualified applicants. If accepted students decline their offers, colleges turn to their waitlists. This is where taking action can make a difference.

What Not to Do

Before diving into what you should do, let’s clarify what won’t help:

• Repeatedly calling or emailing — Too much contact can annoy the admissions team rather than impress them.
• Submitting unnecessary updates — Only send new, meaningful information that strengthens your application.

Two Ways to Improve Your Chances

If you want to maximize your shot at getting off the waitlist, focus on these two areas:

1. Providing relevant updates to your application
2. Demonstrating genuine interest in the school

1. Update Your Application with New Information

If you have recent academic improvements or noteworthy achievements, let the admissions office know. Here are examples of meaningful updates:

• Improved Grades: If your mid-year grades show progress (e.g., moving from a B+ to an A-), send an official transcript update.
• Higher Test Scores: If you took another SAT/ACT and improved your score, submit those results.
• New Awards or Accomplishments: If you won a competition, received an honor, or took on a leadership role, mention it.
• Additional Strong Recommendation: If a teacher has seen significant growth in your work, they might write a valuable supplementary letter. (Only do this if it adds something new.)

Pro Tip: Before sending updates, check with your high school counselor—they may need to submit materials on your behalf.

2. Demonstrate Your Interest the Right Way

Admissions officers want to accept students who are excited about attending. Show them you’re serious about their school by:

• Writing a Letter of Continued Interest: This should express gratitude for the waitlist offer, reaffirm why the school is your top choice, and highlight any recent achievements.
• Visiting Campus (If Possible): A campus visit can reinforce your commitment, but don’t overdo it. A brief, thoughtful note to admissions about what you enjoyed can be impactful.
• Connecting with Admissions (Strategically): A polite email asking about any additional materials they recommend can keep you on their radar without being overbearing.
• Understanding the School’s Policy: Some colleges, especially highly selective ones, don’t prioritize demonstrated interest, while others do. Research the specific school’s approach before reaching out.

Final Thoughts: Control What You Can & Move Forward

If you’ve sent meaningful updates and demonstrated interest appropriately, you’ve done all you can. At this point, enjoy your final months of high school and remember: regardless of the outcome, you’ll end up at a great school that’s the right fit for you!

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