How does NYU's waitlist work for regular decision applicants?

I'm thinking about applying to NYU, but I'm not sure how their waitlist process works for regular decision applications. What are my chances of getting admitted from the waitlist, and when would I find out?

NYU's waitlist process works similarly to that of many competitive schools. After the announcements of regular decision acceptances, which usually happens around April 1, a select group of students are placed on a waitlist. This essentially means that while the student is not currently accepted, they may be offered admission in the event that spots open up after the accepted students have made their decisions.

As for your chances of getting admitted off the waitlist, it can vary every year and can be quite unpredictable. It heavily depends on how many accepted students choose to attend NYU, which isn't something the school or anyone really knows until after May 1, the general deadline for accepted students to commit to a college. If too few students commit to NYU, they would start admitting students off the waitlist.

You would usually hear back about your status on the waitlist from late April to as late as July, but again, it can vary year by year. You should be prepared for a considerable period of uncertainty.

Additionally, while on the waitlist, you can take certain steps to increase your chances of admission. One essential step is to inform NYU that you wish to remain on the waitlist. Some schools automatically place applicants on their waitlist, but many others require you to opt in. It's also typically beneficial to inform NYU about any significant new accomplishments since you submitted your application - like recent awards, improved grades, or new leadership roles.

Please remember that being on the waitlist is not a guarantee of admission and it's essential to have a solid Plan B in place. This involves accepting a spot at another school before their deposit deadline, which is usually on May 1 as well.