Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Is a waitlist decision binding?

Hello, I've been waitlisted at one of my top-choice schools, and I'm not entirely sure what to expect. If I get accepted off the waitlist, is that a binding decision? Can I still look at other options? Thank you, any guidance would be helpful!

11 months ago

Hello! Congratulations on being waitlisted at one of your top-choice schools! To answer your question, no, a waitlist decision is not binding. If you are accepted off the waitlist, you are not obligated to enroll at that school.

In the meantime, it is essential that you secure a spot at another college or university by responding to an offer of admission and paying the required enrollment deposit by the deadline, usually May 1st. This guarantees you a place for the fall term even if you do not get accepted off your top choice's waitlist.

If you eventually get accepted off the waitlist and decide to enroll at the waitlisted school, you will need to inform the other school that you won't be attending and notify your waitlisted school of your decision to accept their offer. Keep in mind that you may lose the enrollment deposit you paid at the first school. It's also important to consider the financial aid package offered by the waitlisted school, as it might be different from your initial offers.

As you wait for a potential waitlist decision, you can stay in touch with the admissions office, submit any new accomplishments or updated information they allow, and demonstrate continued interest in attending the school. However, be prepared for the possibility that you may not be accepted off the waitlist.

In summary, a waitlist decision is not binding, so feel free to continue exploring your options and secure a spot at another institution until you receive a final decision. Best of luck!

11 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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.