Can you get off the waitlist before May 1?

Hey everyone, I was just waitlisted at my dream school and I'm really hoping to get an acceptance before May 1st, which is the deadline to commit to a school. Is it at all possible to get off the waitlist before that date or do I have to wait until after?

It's rare, but in some instances, students might be offered a spot off the waitlist before May 1st. However, this is not the norm. Typically, colleges don't start reviewing waitlists until after the May 1st decision deadline, when they have a more accurate sense of their incoming class size and available spots. At that point, they'll start admitting students from their waitlists to fill those remaining spots.

Given the uncertainty of the waitlist process, it's essential to have a backup plan. That means you should commit to another school before May 1st to secure a spot for the upcoming academic year. Remember that you can always change your plans and accept an offer from your dream school if you do get off the waitlist at a later date. Just keep in mind that you may lose the deposit you placed at the other school when you make the switch.

While you wait, consider expressing continued interest in your dream school by sending a letter of interest, updating them on any accomplishments or awards since your application, and participating in any virtual or in-person events they host for waitlisted students. Such actions might slightly improve your chances but, ultimately, the outcome depends on the school's enrollment numbers and the applicant pool on the waitlist. Good luck, and I hope you get the outcome you're hoping for!