I've been put on the waitlist by a few UC schools (pretty bummed about it tbh) and I'm just curious, does anyone have any idea about the general acceptance rate from the waitlist for UC schools? I know it might vary but any info would help!
Sure, I can provide some information on this, although you are correct that the acceptance rates off the waitlist can vary significantly from year to year and between different UC schools. It mainly depends on how many admitted students choose to enroll.
For example, in recent years, UC Berkeley waitlist acceptance rates were typically below 10%, sometimes even as low as 5%, reflective of the school's high level of selectivity. Similarly, UCLA's rates varied considerably, ranging from less than 5% to slightly above 20% in some years. For schools like UC Santa Barbara and UC Irvine, the rates can sometimes be significantly higher, sometimes even as high as 30-40%. However, these rates can fluctuate significantly from year to year.
In any case, being placed on the waitlist is not an end road. It's always a good plan to hope for the best but prepare for other alternatives. If you're waitlisted and still very interested in that school, make sure to accept your place on the waitlist, and if the school allows, send a Letter of Continued Interest to let them know the school is your top choice and you'd accept a spot if offered. Also, have a Plan B in place, such as accepting an offer from a school where you've been admitted. Good luck!
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