Stanford Waitlist Info

Hi everyone! I'm applying to Stanford and curious about their waitlist process. Can someone share any insights or experiences on what happens when you're waitlisted? Thanks!

Sure, I'd be happy to help explain the waitlist process at Stanford! The waitlist is a pool of candidates who are neither accepted nor rejected, and colleges use it to fill any spots in the incoming class that open up after the regular decision acceptances have been sent out.

If you're placed on the Stanford waitlist, you'll receive a notification along with your decision letter. You will then have to decide whether you wish to remain on the waitlist or decline your spot. If you choose to stay on the waitlist, you'll need to inform Stanford about your decision, typically by following the instructions in the waitlist offer.

During the waitlist process, you can maintain your interest in Stanford by sending updates to your application, such as improved test scores, recent awards, or significant accomplishments. You could also submit an additional letter of recommendation if you have one that adds new perspective to your application. However, avoid overloading the admissions office with too many updates, as this can come across as desperate.

Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that you'll be admitted off the waitlist, and the number of students admitted varies each year depending on how many spots become available. In some years, a significant number of students may be admitted, and in other years, only a few or none may be admitted off the waitlist. Factors that influence this include the number of students who accept Stanford's initial offer and how the admitted students' profiles fit into the overall class composition.

While waiting for a decision from the waitlist, you should confirm your enrollment at another college by the May 1 National Decision Day deadline. This will ensure that you have a spot at another school, since being on the waitlist doesn't guarantee a spot at Stanford. If you're later accepted off the waitlist, you can choose to attend Stanford and decline your enrollment at the other college, which typically results in the forfeiture of any deposits you've paid.

I hope that clarifies the waitlist process at Stanford! I wish you the best of luck with your application, and remember, even if you end up on the waitlist, there's still a chance of admission, so stay hopeful.