.webp)
Being waitlisted at one of your top-choice colleges can bring a mix of emotions. On the one hand, it’s reassuring to know that your application was seriously considered. After all, only a small number of applicants are placed on a waitlist—most who aren’t admitted are simply rejected. So, getting waitlisted is a sign that your candidacy was strong. On the other hand, it’s tough to come so close but not quite make it in. As someone who was once waitlisted at my own dream school, I understand how frustrating that can feel.
At this point, the best thing you can do is understand what the waitlist means for that specific school. From there, you can better assess your next steps. To do that, it's helpful to know why colleges rely on waitlists in the first place.
Many top colleges, including Ivy League schools and other highly selective institutions, use waitlists as a way to manage their yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll. Since colleges can’t always predict how many students will accept offers, it’s common to keep a waitlist in case spots open up. Most schools have a sense of whether or not they’ll need to use their waitlist by May 1st, but some colleges keep their waitlists open into the summer as they finalize enrollment numbers.
Some top colleges that utilize waitlists include: Princeton University, MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University, Caltech, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, Brown University, Georgetown University, Cornell University, Vanderbilt University, Rice University, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, and UC San Diego.
Top colleges typically don’t release specific statistics on how many students are placed on the waitlist each year, so the odds of getting off vary significantly. The acceptance rates tend to fluctuate based on the school and the year.
No, most colleges do not rank students on their waitlist. The selection process is based on a variety of factors, including the school’s specific needs for the incoming class and institutional priorities. It’s not just about how "desirable" you are as a student; there’s a lot more at play.
If you want to maximize your chances of being admitted off the waitlist, follow these steps:
If you need guidance regarding the next steps after being offered a spot on the waitlist, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Being waitlisted at one of your top-choice colleges can bring a mix of emotions. On the one hand, it’s reassuring to know that your application was seriously considered. After all, only a small number of applicants are placed on a waitlist—most who aren’t admitted are simply rejected. So, getting waitlisted is a sign that your candidacy was strong. On the other hand, it’s tough to come so close but not quite make it in. As someone who was once waitlisted at my own dream school, I understand how frustrating that can feel.
At this point, the best thing you can do is understand what the waitlist means for that specific school. From there, you can better assess your next steps. To do that, it's helpful to know why colleges rely on waitlists in the first place.
Many top colleges, including Ivy League schools and other highly selective institutions, use waitlists as a way to manage their yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who actually enroll. Since colleges can’t always predict how many students will accept offers, it’s common to keep a waitlist in case spots open up. Most schools have a sense of whether or not they’ll need to use their waitlist by May 1st, but some colleges keep their waitlists open into the summer as they finalize enrollment numbers.
Some top colleges that utilize waitlists include: Princeton University, MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University, Yale University, Caltech, Duke University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Dartmouth College, Brown University, Georgetown University, Cornell University, Vanderbilt University, Rice University, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Cruz, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, and UC San Diego.
Top colleges typically don’t release specific statistics on how many students are placed on the waitlist each year, so the odds of getting off vary significantly. The acceptance rates tend to fluctuate based on the school and the year.
No, most colleges do not rank students on their waitlist. The selection process is based on a variety of factors, including the school’s specific needs for the incoming class and institutional priorities. It’s not just about how "desirable" you are as a student; there’s a lot more at play.
If you want to maximize your chances of being admitted off the waitlist, follow these steps:
If you need guidance regarding the next steps after being offered a spot on the waitlist, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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.
.webp)
