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What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Waitlisted Students' Odds of Getting In?

I've heard that getting waitlisted is a common outcome when applying to colleges. How often do waitlisted students actually get admitted into colleges? Does it depend on the specific school or does the acceptance rate of waitlisted students vary greatly among universities?

a year ago

Waitlisted students' odds of getting admitted into colleges can indeed vary greatly among universities and even from year to year. One reason for the variability is that colleges cannot predict the enrollment choices made by accepted students, which in turn affects the number of spots available for waitlisted students. The acceptance rate of waitlisted students also depends on how many students are on the waitlist and the goals of the college.

In general, the chances of being admitted off the waitlist tend to be lower at highly selective universities, usually ranging from 1% to 10%. This is because a higher number of accepted students choose to enroll, which leaves fewer available spots for waitlisted applicants. At less selective institutions, the odds of being admitted off the waitlist can be much higher, often ranging from 20% to 50%, since the enrollment rates of accepted students are usually lower.

To gauge your chances of being admitted off the waitlist at a specific school, you can research the college's Common Data Set (if available) or contact the admissions office to inquire about past waitlist statistics. Keep in mind that these numbers are historical and may not be indicative of what happens in the current year.

While you wait for a decision, it's important to have a backup plan in case you don't get admitted off the waitlist. You should accept an offer from another college you've been accepted to by the stated deadline, even if you remain on the waitlist elsewhere. If you do get admitted off the waitlist later, you can always change your decision, although you may forfeit your enrollment deposit at the school you originally committed to.

Finally, you can increase your chances of getting off the waitlist by continuing to demonstrate interest in the college, updating them with any new achievements or information about your application, and potentially submitting a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to reiterate your strong desire to attend the school. However, it's essential to follow the college's guidelines and not inundate them with excessive communication.

a year ago

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