How Do You Deal with Being on a College Waitlist?

So, I've been waitlisted at one of my top-choice colleges and I'm not sure how to handle it emotionally or strategically. It's a bit nerve-wracking not knowing where I’ll end up this fall and I'm trying to make sense of what I should be doing in the meantime.

For anyone who has been in this situation, how did you deal with being on a waitlist? Is there any benefit in sending a letter of continued interest or am I just better off focusing on my other acceptances? Any insights on navigating this would be really helpful!

Being on a college waitlist can be a stressful experience, so remember to take care of yourself emotionally as you're navigating this process.

On a strategic level, being on the waitlist means that the school sees potential in you, but they're not sure if they have enough spots for you at this time. It is not a soft rejection, but it does mean you need to keep your options open.

While you're waiting, it's a good idea to secure a spot at another college where you've been accepted and would be happy to attend. This way, no matter what happens, you'll have a plan for the fall.

One thing you can do to potentially increase your chances of getting off the waitlist is to send a letter of continued interest to the college. This letter should be brief, professionally written, and should clearly express your ongoing interest in the school and how you could contribute to the campus community. You may want to mention recent accomplishments that were not included in your initial application. This can include grades, awards, or new involvement in extracurricular activities. It's essentially an opportunity to make your case one more time and show the admissions committee that you're committed to attending if offered a spot.

Remember that while sending a letter of continued interest can be beneficial, it does not guarantee admission. Decision will still depend on several factors such as the number of spots that become available and how the rest of the applicant pool looks.

While waitlist situations can be stressful, try to maintain a positive outlook and take comfort in the fact that you have other acceptances to consider. It's okay to feel disappointed, but try to focus on the amazing opportunities you have at the colleges that have accepted you. Moving forward with one of these choices may even lead to an incredible college experience you hadn't initially expected.