Navigating the Wait List

Colleges continue to increase the use of wait lists in order to manage their enrollment. Formerly, the wait list served as a safety net for colleges assuring them of extra candidates if the number of students who accepted their offer of admission fell below their expectations. Now, however, colleges appear to be using the wait list as a way of increasing their yields and thus their rankings.

It has become pretty typical for a selective college that accepts 2,000 applicants in hopes of enrolling 500 students to offer another 2,000 well-qualified students places on the wait list. Of these, a quarter are likely to accept a spot. What should you do now if you are one of the hopeful applicants who has been wait-listed at your dream school?

First, you need to understand that this is not a denial of admission; instead, the college is letting you know that it considers you a good candidate and would like to accept you if room allows. Since students on the wait list are generally not ranked, you need to get the attention of admissions in order to be admitted.  How do you do that?

First, respond quickly affirming your continued interest in the college and your desire to remain on the wait list. Follow up with a call or letter to the admissions officer who was your primary reader. This is generally the individual who has been assigned to your school or region. Check the website or call admissions if you are not sure who to contact. Your contact with the regional representative should reaffirm your interest in attending and restate the qualities that you bring to campus. If this is your top choice for college, let the representative know.

Next, update your file with any additional awards, honors, new grades, or experiences. A visit to campus can help, too. Be sure to make an appointment to speak with your admissions representative during that visit.

If you will not need much (or ideally any) financial aid to attend that college, let the college know in writing that your family is able to handle your college expenses.

Be prepared to make a quick decision about attending if you get a phone call offering you a place in the class. Generally, colleges will expect a verbal yes within 24-48 hours after offering you a place. Only then will the offer become official. If you do choose to attend Wait List University, you’ll need to withdraw your previous enrollment at your second-choice college. Be aware that you will probably forfeit any deposits you’ve paid to that institution.