Waitlisted at Washington University in St. Louis. What now?

Got my letter and - heartbreak - I'm waitlisted at WashU St. Louis. Does anyone know how often people get off the waitlist or any tips for increasing my chances? It's been my dream school and I'm not sure how to proceed.

Ah, the waitlist can indeed feel like a tricky territory. First, take a moment to recognize that being waitlisted means the school acknowledges your potential, so it's not a flat rejection. Now, let's figure out your next steps.

1. Respond to the Offer: You have to officially accept the waitlist offer to be on it. So, if you're still very interested in WashU, make sure you respond positively to their offer.

2. Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): This letter can help you assert your strong interest in WashU. Consider explaining why WashU is your preferred school even after having received your other college decisions. Be specific and share any new add-ons, accomplishments, or commitments that have occurred after you applied – such as new awards, improved final semester grades, new leadership roles, or any other updates to your academic or extracurricular profile.

3. Keep Up Your Grades: Even though it can be tempting to let senioritis sneak in after you've submitted all your applications, it's crucial to maintain your academic performance. Colleges can request your final semester grades, and a dip might negatively affect your chances of admission.

4. Demonstrate Interest: Continued and genuine interest can sometimes tip the scale in your favor for colleges where demonstrated interest is considered (like WashU). This can range from engaging with any online events the college might host to politely communicating updates and inquiries with the admissions office.

5. Explore Other Options: Being on a waitlist can indeed be uncertain, as decisions might be released only after the May 1st decision deadline. Have a plan B and ensure you have an acceptance from another college that you'd be happy attending. Don't forget to put down a deposit at a school where you've been accepted by May 1st, so you secure a spot somewhere, even as you hold on to hope for WashU.

In terms of waitlist acceptance rates, they tend to vary each year depending on the admitted candidates' yield and the institutional needs of the college. Unfortunately, schools typically do not publish their waitlist acceptance rates, so it's hard to provide an average. But remember, students do receive offers from the waitlist each year, so all hope is not lost!