What does being waitlisted mean for college applications?

Hey everyone, I’m a little confused about the whole waitlist situation at colleges. If you get waitlisted, does that mean you still have a good chance of getting in, or is it more like a polite rejection? Also, how common is it to get off the waitlist and be accepted? If any of you have personal experiences or tips on what to do while waiting, I'd appreciate hearing them. I’m trying to get a handle on what my options are and how I should plan my next steps!

When a college waitlists you, it means that the admissions committee sees potential in your application but currently does not have a spot available for you. That's why it's neither an acceptance nor an outright rejection. It's essentially the college saying, "We like your application, but our incoming class is full at the moment. If spots open up, we'll consider you."

As for your chances of being accepted from the waitlist, they vary widely based on the college and the application year, so it can be difficult to predict. In some years, a college might accept a significant number of students from the waitlist; in other years, they might not accept any at all. Generally, the odds tend to be lower than being accepted outright—sometimes considerably lower.

While you're on the waitlist, there are a few actions you can take. You can send a letter of continued interest (LOCI) to express your continued interest in the school and to provide any updates on your academic or extracurricular accomplishments since you submitted your initial application. However, make sure you're not overwhelming the admissions office with communication.

It's crucial to have a backup plan, so you should also accept a spot at another college where you were outright accepted. This is necessary because you typically won't hear back from the waitlist until after the date by which you have to accept an offer from another college (usually May 1).

Remember being waitlisted is not a reflection of your worth or abilities. Thousands of qualified candidates apply to colleges every year, and the decision often comes down to the needs of the school rather than the value of the individual applicant. It's important to choose a college where you feel wanted and appreciated!