How to respond to a waitlist email?

Hey everyone! I just got put on the waitlist for one of my top-choice colleges and I'm not sure how to respond. Can anyone give me advice on the best way to acknowledge and reply to their email? I want to make sure I keep my chances alive!

Hey there! Receiving a waitlist notification for a top-choice college can be a bit nerve-wracking, but there are indeed a few things you can do to keep your chances alive and demonstrate your continued interest in the school. Here's a plan to help you respond to the waitlist email effectively:

1. Prompt response: Make sure to respond to the waitlist email as soon as possible, ideally within a day or two. In your response, thank the admissions office for considering your application and express that you're still excited about the possibility of attending the college.

2. Affirm your interest: Clearly communicate that the school is still a top choice for you, and you would accept the offer if given admission. Colleges are more likely to admit waitlisted students who demonstrate a strong interest in attending the school, as they want to maintain a good yield rate (the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll).

3. Update your application: If you have accomplished anything new and noteworthy since submitting your application, include this information in your response. These new accomplishments could include improved grades, new awards or recognition, involvement in new extracurricular activities, or any other experiences that contribute to your personal growth. Make sure to provide specific details and explain how these achievements or experiences have strengthened your desire to attend the school.

4. Stay in touch with the admissions office: In a polite and professional tone, ask if there are any additional steps you should take to demonstrate your interest or improve your chances of admission. Don't be pushy or harass the admission office, but maintain open communication.

5. Be prepared for any outcome: Lastly, it's important to have a backup plan in case you don't get off the waitlist. Keep yourself committed to your other college acceptances and make an enrollment decision by the May 1st deadline, even as you continue to express interest in your waitlisted college - if you ultimately get in, you will be able to withdraw your commitment to the other school, although you should be aware that you probably won't get your deposit back.

By following these steps, you can put your best foot forward and increase your chances of being accepted off the waitlist. And for more information on how to properly respond to a waitlist offer, you can check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/deferred-or-waitlisted-tips-for-writing-a-letter-of-continued-interest.

Best of luck!