The Waitlist, Now What?

I once heard it said by an admissions dean that the wait list is being used as a "reserve army" and this year seems to be no exception. With the increase in multiple applications, and the shifting that is likely to occur when the May 1st deposit deadline rolls around, colleges and universities are hedging their bets by adding large groups of students to their waitlists. In the often-cited world of super-selective colleges, this trend continues as many of the schools which were previously binding Early Decision have now shifted to Early Action, increasing the level of uncertainly as to who will enroll, and forcing many schools to grow their waitlists. Read more in today's New York Times.

Most schools will indicate in their waitlist offer letter to students how many have been added to the waitlist and how many have been accepted in the past. While these numbers change every year, it can be a start in determining what the likelihood may be of getting off the list and enrolling. If you decide you want to throw your hat into this rather daunting ring, here are some things to consider.

1. Return the reply card indicating your desire to remain on the waitlist
2. Students (not parents) need to keep in touch with the school, and remember persistence, not pestering, can make a difference.
3. Send in writing any updated and MEANINGFUL information to the school, too many additional letters of recommendations and calls from parents can have the negative results. Updates on grades, activities and perhaps a recommendation that provides new information can be helpful.
4. If the school is absolutely your top choice, let them know that if admitted, you will attend. This honest level of commitment can make a big difference at this point.
5. Students coming off the waitlist are often those who can pay the full price. If you think you will need financial aid, then it is more problematic at many schools when it comes to the waitlist as most of the financial aid budget has been committed. Colleges generally first accept students who do not need aid, but if the class size is not met, then more aid may become available.
6. Remember that it is out of your hands and that if the college needs more men/women/musicians/artists/athletes/scientists, etc. they can select as needed. Waitlists are rarely ordered, but rather a pool that can be drawn from as needed, and movement can be slow and often is rare.
7. It is best to focus most on the colleges to which you have been accepted and the one you plan to attend, and if something happens and you hear an acceptance from the waitlist school, then that is just a pleasant surprise.