How does being on the Colby waitlist work?

I was recently put on the waitlist for Colby College and I'm kinda confused about what I should do next. Can anyone give advice on how to increase my chances of getting off the waitlist and how the waitlist process works at Colby?

First, congratulations on making it to the waitlist at Colby College! Here’s a brief overview of the waitlist process and some advice to potentially improve your chances of being admitted off the waitlist.

The waitlist process at Colby works as follows: after the regular decision notification date, the admissions committee will revisit the waitlisted students' applications if they still have open spots in their incoming class. They review waitlist applicants based on how they fit the spots that are still available. Factors like intended major, extracurricular interests, and geographic region could play a role during this time. There is no set time frame for when students may be admitted off the waitlist - it could happen any time from late April until the summer, depending on the yield from admitted students and how the incoming class comes together.

To increase your odds of being admitted off the waitlist, consider taking these steps:

1. Express your continued interest: Send a letter of continued interest (LOCI) to the admissions office, preferably addressing your regional admissions officer. In the letter, highlight any updates in your academic and extracurricular achievements since submitting your initial application and emphasize your strong interest in attending Colby.

2. Share any new accomplishments: If you have any new awards, leadership roles, or significant achievements not mentioned in your original application, make sure to include those in your letter of continued interest.

3. Maintain good grades: Waitlisted students should continue to perform well academically, as the admissions office may request updated transcripts before making a final decision.

4. Request an updated recommendation: If you have a strong relationship with a teacher or counselor who could write a compelling letter of support on your behalf, ask for an updated recommendation that highlights your recent accomplishments and growth as a student.

5. Stay engaged with Colby: Follow the college on social media, engage with any outreach efforts, and attend virtual events if possible. This will demonstrate your interest and help you stay informed about campus news.

In the meantime, it is important to secure a spot at another institution that you would be happy to attend, as there is no guarantee of admission from the waitlist. Good luck, and remember that being waitlisted means the admissions committee saw potential in your application!