UW Waitlist Acceptance Rate?

I recently got waitlisted at the University of Washington. I'm wondering, does anyone know the acceptance rate for students who have been waitlisted? I want to know if I should be hopeful or start getting used to the idea of attending another college. Thanks in advance!

The University of Washington waitlist acceptance rate varies widely from year to year. For context, the waitlist acceptance rate in 2021 was 19.22%, the rate in 2022 was 7.6%, and the rate in 2021 was 1.3%. While these numbers show that the rate has been going down, it's important to consider them in context.

There are multiple factors that contribute to the fluctuation of waitlist acceptance rates—namely, the number of students who accept the offer of admission, enrollment goals, and the size of the waitlist. Since all three of these factors can vary from year to year, a downward trend is not a guarantee to continue. So, you can definitely remain optimistic, but you still do want to manage your expectations and be prepared for both scenarios: getting off the waitlist or not.

Make sure to accept a spot on the waitlist if you're interested, and follow any specific instructions UW provides on their waitlist process. Additionally, it's essential to have a backup plan and accept an offer from another college by the May 1st commitment deadline, as the waitlist process can be unpredictable and potentially extend into the summer months. If you are ultimately accepted by UW, you'll be able to de-commit from the other school without penalty (although you'll likely lose your enrollment deposit).

You can also increase your chances of getting off the waitlist by writing a strong letter of continued interest (LOCI) to UW, which should express your enthusiasm for the school and update them on any significant accomplishments or developments since your initial application. CollegeVine's blog contains detailed guidance on how to write a strong LOCI: https://blog.collegevine.com/deferred-or-waitlisted-tips-for-writing-a-letter-of-continued-interest

Overall, I'd recommend remaining cautiously optimistic, and continuing to explore other college options while you wait to hear back from the University of Washington. Good luck, and I hope everything works out in your favor!