IvyWise Live: What to Do If You Get Put On The Waitlist
Watchour IvyWise Live on-demand webinar What to Do If You Get Put On The Waitlist for expert insight on how the waitlist works, your chances of getting off the waitlist, and the steps you need to take!
What are the chances of getting accepted after being waitlisted? As high school seniors prepare for admissions decisions, there’s a lot of uncertainty that comes with learning you’ve been placed on the waitlist. Do you accept the spot and wait to learn your fate? If you do, how likely are you to get in, and what can you do to improve your chances of getting off the waitlist?
There are a number of waitlist tips and tricks that students can employ to improve their chances of admission, but will it pay off? In many cases, students’ chances of getting off the waitlist can be pretty slim, but it’s not impossible.
What’s the Purpose of the Waitlist?
While admission rates at the most competitive colleges and universities can be in the single digits, the actual application process is much more streamlined than it was 20 years ago. With the Common Application, it’s easier than ever for students to apply to multiple colleges. According to NACAC, almost a fourth of college-bound students apply to seven or more colleges, and for 10 of the last 15 years, over 70% of colleges have reported application increases.
The college admissions landscape continues to be competitive at the country’s most popular universities, with many schools posting record-high application numbers for the class of 2027. Schools like the University of Virginia (55,845), University of Pennsylvania (59,000+), NYU (~120,000), and Bowdoin (10,934) all reported their largest applicant pools ever, with some schools likeBoston Universityseeing record-high numbers of students applying Early Decision or Early Action. With large applicant pools, it is likely we will seeadmission ratesat these schools remain low or even decrease.
Given these heightened numbers, some students will have more college options than ever, making it harder for colleges to estimate how many applicants will enroll if admitted. This percentage of admitted students who enroll, known as yield, is really important, as it affects everything from tuition and housing to what courses are offered come fall.
Generally, to better manage yield, admissions officers will want to ensure that they have a healthy number of waitlisted applicants to make sure they can fill every seat with a qualified student. As we’ve said before, colleges fill their waitlists with highly qualified applicants who barely missed the admit pile. These students are great fits for the school – the college just ran out of room when building their well-rounded class.
Just Admit It!:What should I do if I got waitlisted?
Listen in as IvyWise college admissions experts share tips on what waitlisted students can do to optimize their chances of enrolling at their best-fit universities in our Just Admit It! episode ‘What should I do if I got waitlisted?‘
College Waitlist Chances
Just like in the regular admissions process, colleges need to evaluate their yield, institutional needs, legacy status, and other factors before deciding which students, if any, to admit from the waitlist. Waitlists aren’t ranked – meaning there’s not a number one student who will definitely get in if there’s room. Things like a student’s major, legacy status, and more influence whether they get in over another waitlisted student.
While many colleges will waitlist hundreds or even thousands of students, not all of those students will accept a spot on the waitlist, making the pool and the chances of getting in slightly better in some cases. According to NACAC, 20% of all students who chose to remain on waitlists were ultimately admitted. However, at selective colleges, the average was much lower, with only 7% of students who accepted waitlist spots gaining admission.
Waitlist Statistics
Colleges provide information on waitlist statistics in their annual reporting of their Common Data Set (CDS) and often in university publications when admission statistics are announced. According to MIT waitlist info, the school usually waitlists about 2% of applicants.Here are some waitlist admission rates for the class of 2026:
| School | Waitlist Admission Rate | Overall Admission Rate |
| Amherst College | 3.9% | 7.3% |
| Claremont McKenna | 2% | 10.3% |
| Harvey Mudd College | 4% | 13.3% |
| MIT | 0% (no students accepted off the waitlist) | 3.96% |
| Pomona College | 2.1% | 7.4% |
| Stanford University | 1.4% | 3.68% |
| Wesleyan University | 0.5% | 20.15% |
What to Do If You’re Waitlisted
There are a number of resources out there for waitlisted students. At IvyWise, our team of expert counselors works with waitlisted students to help them decide the best course of action.
- First, decide if you want to remain on the waitlist. If you’re waitlisted, you’ll need to accept your spot on the list. Take some time to think about whether or not this is the best option for you.
- Send in your enrollment deposit to your second-choice college. There are no guarantees with waitlists, so if you decide to remain on the waitlist at your top-choice college, go ahead and send in your enrollment deposit to your second-choice college so you definitely have somewhere to go in the fall should you not be admitted off the list.
- Consider writing a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Update the college on what you’ve been up to this semester and reiterate your interest in the school. This is a big part of the process. Let the school know you’re still interested in attending if admitted off the waitlist. Update them on any new information you want them to consider and let them know that this school is still a top choice.
We also have a plethora of articles and resources about what students should do after being placed on the waitlist. Here’s a list of additional waitlist resources and articles for students:
- Wait and See? Tips for Getting Off the Waitlist
- Tips from the Experts: What to Do If You Get Put On The Waitlist
- Admission Decisions: What to Do If You’re Accepted, Rejected, or Waitlisted
At IvyWise, we also offer a Waitlist Consultation for students who needaddditional guidance about their options and what to do next to increase their chances of admission. Contact us today for more information!
I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the highly competitive realm of college admissions. With a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the process, I am well-versed in the dynamics of waitlists and the strategies students can employ to navigate this challenging situation.
As someone deeply engaged in the field, I can attest to the significance of the information presented in the IvyWise Live article titled "What to Do If You Get Put On The Waitlist." The article delves into the uncertainty that high school seniors face when placed on the waitlist and provides valuable insights into the chances of acceptance, the purpose of the waitlist, and actionable steps students can take.
The IvyWise Live on-demand webinar offers expert guidance on understanding how the waitlist works, the likelihood of getting off the waitlist, and the crucial steps to enhance one's chances. This demonstrates a commitment to equipping students with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions during this critical phase of the college admissions process.
The article rightly emphasizes the evolving landscape of college admissions, marked by heightened competition and increasing application numbers. The mention of popular universities like the University of Virginia, University of Pennsylvania, NYU, and Bowdoin reporting record-high applicant pools underscores the challenges students face in gaining admission.
The concept of yield, the percentage of admitted students who enroll, is highlighted as a key factor influencing admissions decisions. The article effectively communicates the rationale behind colleges maintaining waitlists—ensuring they can fill every seat with qualified students and manage yield effectively.
Furthermore, the article dispels common misconceptions about waitlists, clarifying that they are not ranked and that various factors, such as a student's major and legacy status, can influence admission from the waitlist.
Waitlist admission rates for the class of 2026 from institutions like Amherst College, Claremont McKenna, MIT, Stanford University, and others are provided, offering concrete statistics to help students gauge their chances realistically. This data-driven approach reflects a commitment to transparency and evidence-based advice.
The actionable steps outlined in the article, such as deciding whether to remain on the waitlist, sending an enrollment deposit to a second-choice college, and crafting a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI), are practical and strategic. These recommendations are rooted in an understanding of the intricacies of the admissions process and showcase the depth of knowledge held by the experts at IvyWise.
In addition, the article goes beyond providing information and offers a range of resources, including additional articles and a Waitlist Consultation service, demonstrating a comprehensive and supportive approach to helping students navigate the complexities of the waitlist.
In conclusion, the insights provided in the IvyWise Live article exemplify a thorough understanding of the challenges associated with college admissions, particularly the waitlist process. The evidence-based advice, statistical data, and practical recommendations collectively showcase the depth of expertise offered by IvyWise in guiding students through this critical phase of their academic journey.
