How I Got Off the Waitlist and Accepted into my Dream College

As a high school student, I dreamed of the day I would open my college decision letter and see the words “Congratulations!” Sometimes, though, the message isn’t what you hoped for.

Instead, my college decision read, “You have been placed on the waitlist.” The waitlist is a weird purgatory between admission to your dream school and definitive rejection. Initially, it felt like a setback, but I’m here to share with you how being waitlisted isn’t the end of the road — it’s just a longer path to the same destination. Through my own experiences and the advice for others who’ve successfully navigated this uncertain status, I’ve compiled a guide to help you move from the waitlist to your dream college’s first-year class.

Colleges often waitlist students to manage their enrollment numbers. Being on the waitlist means you qualify for admission but will be considered for an open spot after already admitted students make their decisions. It’s neither a yes nor a no, but a “maybe,” and with the right approach, you can get to the top of the waitlist list!

Steps to Get Off the College Waitlist:

1. Express Your Continued Interest in the School

Shortly after discovering I was waitlisted, I learned about the importance of demonstrating my ongoing interest in the college. Draft a letter or email to the admissions office or your regional college recruiter. Be specific in your letter about why the school remains your top choice, and update them on new achievements, good grades, or extracurricular successes since you sent your application. Make sure to assure them that if admitted, you will definitely enroll. This step is absolutely crucial; colleges are more likely to admit students they believe will actually enroll.

2. Update Your Application

Have you won any new awards, improved your grades, taken on additional leadership roles, or engaged in significant projects since applying? Inform the admissions office. These updates can bolster your application and show you’re continuously growing as a candidate. That’s also why it’s important not to slack off or lounge during your “senior spring;” although many schools have already made their decisions, they’re still watching applicants to make sure they accepted the best students.

3. Request an Interview

If the college offers interviews for waitlisted students, take advantage of this rare opportunity. An interview can provide a personal touch to your application, allowing the admissions team to get to know you in-person, beyond paper.

4. Consider Additional Recommendations

While not always necessary or advised, in certain cases, an additional letter of recommendation that offers new insights into your character and achievements can be super beneficial. If someone hasn’t already addressed a particular strength or experience in your initial application, this might be worth exploring to get your name to stand out on the waitlist.

5. Stay Engaged and Research Alternatives

While you’re working to get off the waitlist, keep exploring and showing interest in other colleges that have offered you admission. This ensures you have a solid plan in place regardless of the outcome.

I was waitlisted at my top-choice university, a moment I remember very well. Initially, I felt disheartened, but I quickly shifted my perspective to view this as an opportunity rather than a setback.

I followed the steps I outlined above, starting with a heartfelt letter to my local admissions officer expressing my continued interest and detailing my recent academic achievements and why the school was a perfect fit for me. I also reached out to my guidance counselor for advice and worked on additional accolades I could get to improve my chances of getting off the waitlist. My efforts paid off when I received a much-awaited acceptance email.

Being waitlisted taught me resilience in the face of disappointing news and the importance of advocating for myself. Being waitlisted is a test of patience and persistence, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your application and reaffirm your commitment to your education aspirations. My advice to waitlisted high schools today is don’t lose hope. Use this time to showcase your continued interest, achievements, and the unique qualities that make you an asset to the college community. Regardless of which schools you get into, what matters most is the dedication and passion you bring to your academic pursuits throughout your life. Being on the waitlist should not be a final verdict but a chance to further demonstrate your worthiness for your dream college. With the right approach, you can turn this uncertain waiting period into a college success story.

– Mentor Rémy

Does this article resonate with you? You or a high school student you know could get mentorship from the author of this article or another one of our mentors, each of whom is a graduate of an Ivy League, Stanford, or MIT.

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