I'm Waitlisted... Now What?: How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Off the Waitlist

So, you’ve heard back from one of your top schools, and it’s the news you’ve been dreading: you’re waitlisted. For many students and families, this can be an uncertain and frustrating moment—goal in sight, yet still just out of reach—but it’s not necessarily the end of the road. When supporting students to navigate this situation, I’ve found Theodore Roosevelt’s words especially instructive: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” You may not have secured an acceptance yet, but there are several concrete steps you can take to improve your chances. Read on to find out how.

Step 1: Confirm Your Spot on the Waitlist

Waitlisting typically occurs after the regular decision pool of applicants has been reviewed and a handful of remaining competitive applicants are placed on a list in case a spot opens up. Universities want to know how many students plan to stay on the waitlist so they can manage the number of spots they need to fill. To keep this process organized, many schools require a formal response by a specific deadline in order to hold your place. Missing the deadline could result in your removal from the waitlist, so being proactive is crucial to staying in the game.

Once you’ve decided to remain on the waitlist, notify the university as soon as possible. Doing so not only informs them of your continued interest, but also ensures that your spot is officially secured. And remember—while being waitlisted may feel discouraging at first, it’s still indicative that the admissions committee considered you an exceptionally strong applicant. How you navigate this situation going forward can have a significant impact on your chances of getting off the waitlist.

Step 2: Secure Your Spot At Another School

Given that many waitlists remain active through the summer, it’s risky to hold out hope without securing a backup option. As the May 1 decision deadline is right around the corner, students should plan to enroll at their best-fit school from their list of acceptances. That means formally accepting the offer, completing any required paperwork, and submitting a deposit to reserve a place in the incoming class. Just be aware: if you’re later admitted off a waitlist, you’ll forfeit the original, non-refundable deposit.

Part of the waitlist process is also about exercising patience and keeping an open mind. While you may still be waiting to hear from your top-choice school, it’s important to consider all your options and be thoughtful about the opportunities other universities can offer. Oftentimes, attending a school that wasn’t your top choice can lead to long-term benefits and connections you didn’t initially anticipate.

Step 3: Consider Submitting Additional Materials

If you haven’t already taken this step, the next step is to consult your applicant portal or contact the Admissions Office to find out whether the school accepts additional materials, such as mid-year transcripts, updated test scores, or recent achievements. Providing this information is a valuable opportunity to demonstrate your ongoing pursuit of academic rigor and personal growth since submitting your application.

Another great way to express your dedication to the school is to submit a letter of continued interest (LOCI), reaffirming your enthusiasm for the college and elaborating on any recent accomplishments that were not included in your original application. Here are a few do’s and don'ts for what to include in your LOCI:

DO INCLUDE:

1. A brief introduction and a thank-you to the admissions team for their consideration of your application.
2. A clear statement reaffirming your interest in the college and why you believe it’s a strong fit for you. If it’s your top-choice school, don’t be afraid to say so—and, if true, state that you would attend if admitted! A sincere and specific commitment can carry weight.
3. Any new information about your honors and achievements, such as a higher GPA, improved test scores, new goals, or extracurricular involvement that wasn’t mentioned in your original application. Be sure to also include an explanation of how you accomplished these things. Sharing the steps you took foregrounds your initiative and a persistent work ethic.
4. A statement about how you will contribute to the campus community. I typically encourage students to convey this through a short story or example that highlights key character traits they want the admissions committee to remember.
5. A closing statement expressing your continued interest and requesting to be considered for admission.
6. A thank-you note for the energy the admissions team has put into reviewing your application, and a reminder that you look forward to hearing from them. Don’t forget to provide your contact information at the end of the letter, should any questions arise. 

DON’T:

1. Submit a long or unwieldy response. You don’t want to risk losing your reader’s interest with a letter that’s too long, disorganized, or overwhelming. Using the guidelines above, you should be able to summarize your most relevant updates while keeping the letter concise and to the point.
2. Restate information that is already available in your original application. Repeating past content doesn’t add value and can inadvertently signal a lack of self-awareness or effort. Admissions officers are looking for growth and momentum. Instead, focus on what you’ve accomplished since you applied and how it reflects your continued commitment to the college.  
3. Compromise your credibility by misusing the “I will attend if admitted” card. Admissions officers take that kind of statement seriously. Using it casually—or saying it to more than one school—can backfire by damaging your credibility or limiting your options down the line.

Step 4: Stay Engaged (No “Senioritus”)

Even if you’re on the waitlist, this isn’t the time to ease up and just hope for an update in your portal. Many colleges continue to pull from their waitlists into June or July—and occasionally even August—and may request your final transcript as part of that review. If you’ve already submitted mid-year grades as evidence of an upward trend, admissions officers will be looking to see that the progress continued through the end of the year.

Conclusion

While it may feel frustrating to hunker down and engage with the waitlist process, don’t lose sight of how far you’ve come—or how much is still within your control. By providing supplemental materials and LOCIs when appropriate, you can demonstrate your growth since applying and reinforce your commitment to the school. 

Remember: you wouldn’t be on the waitlist if the admissions committee didn’t genuinely believe you’re a strong candidate for their incoming class. While there’s still a chance you may not receive an offer despite your best efforts, this is your opportunity to give it everything you’ve got in this final push. Practice patience, be open to your options, and stay excited for the journey ahead!

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