Harvard Waitlist: What to Do

By Justin Neiman, Former Harvard Admissions Officer
March 25, 2025

Harvard Waitlist: What to Do

What To Know About the Waitlist

If you were waitlisted at Harvard, there is still an opportunity to gain admission. Being offered a waitlist spot means that you were seriously considered for candidacy but did not quite make the cut for immediate admission. It is common for Harvard and other universities to maintain a waitlist in case they need additional students for their freshman class.

Whether or not Harvard admits students from its waitlist depends on how many admitted students in the Class of 2029 choose to enroll. While Harvard is the top choice for many, some students opt for other colleges, opening up spots for waitlisted applicants.

What Are the Odds of Getting Off the Waitlist?

Harvard does not release specific statistics on the number of students placed on the waitlist each year, but historical trends show that the number varies. Last year, Harvard admitted 41 students from the waitlist.

Is the Waitlist Ranked?

No, Harvard does not rank the students on their waitlist. Unfortunately, it is not possible to know where an applicant falls on the waitlist.

What Can You Do to Increase Your Chances?

1. Accept Your Spot on the Waitlist

Follow the provided instructions to confirm your intent to remain on the waitlist. Not all students choose to stay on the list, so if you are serious about remaining under consideration, it is important to follow the process carefully.

2. Submit a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

A LOCI demonstrates your commitment to attending Harvard if admitted and signals that it remains your top choice. This letter is an opportunity to highlight aspects of your candidacy that make you a strong applicant. If you have any academic, extracurricular, or personal achievements since submitting your application, be sure to mention them.

3. Maintain Strong Academics

Harvard may review your final grades before making a waitlist decision, so it is essential to continue excelling in your coursework.

4. Consider an Additional Recommendation

If there is someone who can provide a meaningful recommendation that adds to your candidacy, you may want to explore this option. A strong recommendation or new information might help improve your chances of moving off the waitlist and securing a spot at Harvard.

Need Help or Advice?

If you need guidance regarding the next steps after being offered a spot on the waitlist, don’t hesitate to reach out.

What To Know About the Waitlist

If you were waitlisted at Harvard, there is still an opportunity to gain admission. Being offered a waitlist spot means that you were seriously considered for candidacy but did not quite make the cut for immediate admission. It is common for Harvard and other universities to maintain a waitlist in case they need additional students for their freshman class.

Whether or not Harvard admits students from its waitlist depends on how many admitted students in the Class of 2029 choose to enroll. While Harvard is the top choice for many, some students opt for other colleges, opening up spots for waitlisted applicants.

What Are the Odds of Getting Off the Waitlist?

Harvard does not release specific statistics on the number of students placed on the waitlist each year, but historical trends show that the number varies. Last year, Harvard admitted 41 students from the waitlist.

Is the Waitlist Ranked?

No, Harvard does not rank the students on their waitlist. Unfortunately, it is not possible to know where an applicant falls on the waitlist.

What Can You Do to Increase Your Chances?

1. Accept Your Spot on the Waitlist

Follow the provided instructions to confirm your intent to remain on the waitlist. Not all students choose to stay on the list, so if you are serious about remaining under consideration, it is important to follow the process carefully.

2. Submit a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

A LOCI demonstrates your commitment to attending Harvard if admitted and signals that it remains your top choice. This letter is an opportunity to highlight aspects of your candidacy that make you a strong applicant. If you have any academic, extracurricular, or personal achievements since submitting your application, be sure to mention them.

3. Maintain Strong Academics

Harvard may review your final grades before making a waitlist decision, so it is essential to continue excelling in your coursework.

4. Consider an Additional Recommendation

If there is someone who can provide a meaningful recommendation that adds to your candidacy, you may want to explore this option. A strong recommendation or new information might help improve your chances of moving off the waitlist and securing a spot at Harvard.

Need Help or Advice?

If you need guidance regarding the next steps after being offered a spot on the waitlist, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Man smiling wearing gray sweater with brick building and shrubbery in the background

Justin Neiman

Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University

As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.