The Mysteries of the Harvard Waitlist

Hi everyone! I was wondering how the waitlist at Harvard works? How likely is it that you'll be accepted? Any tips about what to do if you get placed on it would be appreciated :)

Harvard's waitlist, like those of most other universities, is a list of students who are not initially accepted or denied. Instead, they're placed in a "holding" area until there's more clarity about the number of admitted students who accept their offers - the yield. Therefore, admission from the waitlist fluctuates annually based on what the yield turns out to be. In years where the yield is greater than anticipated, there might be less (or zero) spots open for waitlisted students. Conversely, if the yield is lower than expected, more waitlist students may be accepted.

The chances of admission from the waitlist can vary quite a bit. While specifics are not usually disclosed, the acceptance rates from waitlists at highly selective colleges are typically quite low. According to data from previous years, Harvard has been known to admit anywhere from 0 to around 200 students from their waitlist, which goes to show how much it can fluctuate.

In terms of increasing your chances, there are a few steps you can take. One important thing is to make sure you accept your place on the waitlist by the given deadline. Confirm your continued interest in attending Harvard by writing a 'Letter of Continued Interest' (LOCI) to the admissions office. In this letter, highlight any significant achievements or endeavors you've undertaken since you submitted your original application that support your interest and ability to succeed at Harvard.

Equally important is re-confirming your commitment to attending if given the opportunity and providing any updates since you originally submitted your application. This could include academic honors, leadership roles, community service involvement, or any relevant updates to your resume such as new internships, jobs, or activities.

However, while a LOCI might subtly increase your likely admission chances, keep in mind that the strongest components of your application are the ones already submitted. Best of luck!