Hey everyone! I just got waitlisted at my dream college and I want to make sure I stand out by writing a great waitlist email. Does anyone have any advice on what to include, how to format it, and how long it should be? Thanks in advance!
Hello! Congratulations on being waitlisted at your dream college! It's essential to craft a compelling and concise waitlist email that demonstrates your continued interest in the college. Here are some tips on what to include, the format, and the ideal length for your waitlist email:
1. Start with a thank you: Begin your email by expressing gratitude for being considered and for the opportunity to remain on the waitlist.
2. Reaffirm your interest: Make it clear that this particular college is still your top choice, and emphasize why it's a perfect fit for you. Be specific about aspects of the school that attract you, such as programs, faculty, or campus culture.
3. Update your accomplishments: Briefly mention any new accomplishments, awards, or experiences you've had since submitting your application. These could include improved grades, notable extracurricular achievements, or additional volunteer work. Make sure these updates are substantial and not redundant with your original application.
4. Offer additional support: If you have any new letters of recommendation or supplementary material that you believe will strengthen your candidacy, mention that you'd be happy to provide it if the college is open to receiving additional information. However, keep in mind that some schools may not accept extra materials, so it's essential to follow their guidelines.
5. Keep it concise: Your waitlist email should be clear and to the point, ideally no more than one page or approximately 300-500 words. Remember that admissions officers are reviewing many waitlisted candidates, so respect their time and focus on conveying essential information.
6. Format: Format your email professionally, with a clear subject line like "Waitlist Update: [Your Full Name]." Address the email to the appropriate admissions officer or the general admissions office if you don't have a specific contact. Write in a formal tone, use proper grammar, and proofread multiple times to avoid errors. Also keep in mind that there might be a specific place in your applicant portal for waitlisted students to upload additional information - in that case, you won't want to send it directly as an email, as it might get lost.
7. End on a positive note: Conclude your email by expressing your hope for a favorable decision and reiterating your enthusiasm for the college. Thank them for considering your application and their time.
Overall, the main goal is to stand out positively, reaffirm your interest in the school, and showcase any new achievements or experiences that bolster your application. If you want more detailed guidance on how to write a message that will maximize your chances of getting in off the waitlist, you can check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/deferred-or-waitlisted-tips-for-writing-a-letter-of-continued-interest. Finally, while it never hurts to stay optimistic, you should also be sure to explore the schools you were accepted at, as unfortunately getting in off the waitlist is never guaranteed.
Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.