Waitlisted Students Acceptance Rates

Hi everyone, I'm a little stressed about waitlists. How often do waitlisted students actually end up getting accepted? Is it worth trying to maximize my chances or should I accept another school offer right away?

Hi there! The acceptance rate for waitlisted students varies greatly between colleges and even from year to year at the same college. Generally, waitlist acceptance rates can range from less than 5% to over 50% depending on the college and the year. It's difficult to predict the exact odds of being admitted off the waitlist for a specific school, but some factors that can impact waitlist movement are the school's yield rate and the size of the incoming class that the school wants to maintain.

While it's natural to be hopeful about getting admitted off the waitlist, it's essential to have a backup plan. You should absolutely accept an offer from another school by their decision deadline (usually May 1), so you don't end up without any options if you don't get off the waitlist. Once you've accepted another offer, you can continue to pursue the waitlisted college if it's your top choice.

To maximize your chances of getting off the waitlist, you can write a "letter of continued interest" (LOCI) to the waitlisted college, expressing why you're still interested in attending if offered admission, updating them on any new achievements, and potentially reiterating your commitment to attend if admitted (especially if you're willing to commit to enrolling if accepted off the waitlist). Additionally, maintaining good grades and staying involved in extracurricular activities can help demonstrate your continued commitment to academics and personal growth.

Remember that it's completely normal to feel stressed about waitlists; you're not alone. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan and be prepared for any outcome. Focus on the positives and the opportunities that your accepted schools have to offer, and know that you'll make the most of your college experience, regardless of where you end up. Good luck!