Is there a waitlist for regular decision?

I'm curious if schools typically have a waitlist for regular decision applicants. If so, how does it differ from the waitlist for early decision or early action applicants?

Most colleges do indeed have a waitlist for regular decision applicants. However, it's worth noting that the waitlist isn't a mishmash of early decision or early action and regular decision applicants. They're segregated into separate pools.

When a student is deferred from early decision or early action and then waitlisted during the regular decision round, they are considered alongside their regular decision peers. The process is similar for all waitlisted students, regardless of when they applied.

Waitlists are typically used by colleges to fill any remaining spots in their incoming class after applicants make their decision by May 1st, the commonly observed National College Decision Day. If a sufficient number of accepted students choose not to enroll, colleges turn to their waitlists to admit more students to meet their target class size.

It really depends on school and cycle dynamics to determine who gets off the waitlist. Sometimes, no students are admitted from the waitlist, while other times, numerous waitlisted students might receive offers of admission. And remember, being placed on a waitlist at a highly selective institution still signifies a strong application.

There are often additional steps waitlisted students can take, like updating the school with any significant new achievements or writing a letter expressing continued interest in the institution. But, it's important to have contingencies. Always have a plan in place in case you don't get off the waitlist. This means submitting a deposit to secure your spot at a different college where you have been accepted.