How many waitlisted students typically get accepted?

Hey, I'm starting to worry about my college applications a little, and I'm curious about the percentage of waitlisted students who end up being accepted at most colleges. Any thoughts or stats on this?

The percentage of waitlisted students who eventually receive an acceptance offer can vary significantly between colleges and between admission cycles. Generally, the acceptance rate for waitlisted students tends to be lower than the overall acceptance rate for a given institution.

According to data reported by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the average waitlist acceptance rate from 2018 to 2020 was around 20%. However, acceptance rates for waitlisted students can range from less than 10% at some highly selective institutions to 50% or higher at other schools.

Keep in mind that the number of waitlisted students admitted depends on various factors, such as the number of accepted students who choose to enroll (yield rate) and the institution's enrollment goals. Some years, a school might admit a larger percentage of waitlisted students if their yield rate is lower than expected. In other years, they might admit almost no students from the waitlist if their initial acceptances fill the available spots.

While it's natural to worry about your college applications, I encourage you to focus on the aspects you can control, such as crafting strong essays and maintaining your academic performance. It's also a good idea to have a balanced list of schools, including reach, match, and safety schools, as this helps increase your chances of receiving acceptances and having options to choose from.

In the meantime, if you're waitlisted at a school you're particularly interested in, you can take proactive steps such as writing a letter of continued interest, updating the school with any notable achievements, and staying engaged with the college to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to attending if offered admission.