Waitlist admission rates?

Hi all! A bit stressed here since I've been waitlisted at one of my top choice schools. Does anyone have any general information on waitlist admission rates? I know it varies by school, but just wanted to get a ballpark idea. Thanks for any help!

Hey there! I completely understand how stressful it is to be waitlisted at your top choice school. While waitlist admission rates indeed vary significantly by school, I can provide some general information to help give you a rough idea.

Generally speaking, waitlist admission rates could be anywhere from 1% to over 50%—I know, that's a pretty big range. Some highly selective schools can have particularly low waitlist admission rates due to the high demand and limited number of available spots. On the other hand, schools with higher overall acceptance rates might have higher waitlist admission rates due to more open spots and fluctuating yield rates (the percentage of accepted students who actually enroll).

To increase your chances of being admitted off the waitlist, consider updating the school with any significant achievements or academic updates, reiterating your strong interest in attending if accepted, and possibly submitting a letter of continued interest (LOCI). However, be aware that these actions may affect your chances only marginally as other factors beyond your control can play a larger role in determining waitlist admissions.

It's also important to remember that you may need to make a decision on another school before you hear back from your waitlisted option. So, while it's okay to hold onto hope, make sure you explore and get excited about the schools that have accepted you, as there's a chance you may end up attending one of them!

Best of luck, and remember to stay optimistic and proactive as you navigate this process!