“Thank you for your application. After careful consideration, our selection committee is unable to make you an offer of admission at this time, but we would like to offer you a place on our Waitlist.”
Ahh, the dreaded waitlist! After months of anticipation, eagerly waiting to hear back from your dream school, you’re still in limbo. While you may feel frustrated and disappointed, don’t be disheartened! Contrary to popular belief, the waitlist is not just a “nice” rejection – candidates do get accepted off the waitlist each year.
Important actions after you've been being waitlisted to improve your chances:
Decision Time. If this is your first choice and you want the school to continue considering you, accept your place on the list. If you want to move on, write to the university and ask them to withdraw your name to give others the opportunity.
Write a Letter of Continuing Interest. Write a concise letter, ideally one page, to the admissions office thanking them for considering your application and state your commitment to the school. What to include in the letter:
Provide any new updates on your activities. You’ve improved your grades? Great, tell them that. You placed in a competition? Awesome, you should include that in the letter. You’ve been volunteering with a local charity? Let them know, but make sure you’re only relaying new information.
Include why the university is a great fit for you and what you would contribute to the student body if admitted. This will help set you apart from other candidates.
Accept a Place at Your Next Choice School. Make sure that you have a backup plan that you are happy to follow through with if you don’t get accepted from the waitlist. Send in your non-refundable deposit – usually due by May 1st, but check with your university.
Recommendations. If possible, find a senior person from your school who might call and advocate for you to receive a firm offer. If you had a great work experience or internship, consider asking for a recommendation letter that you could send in as part of your communication with the school.
Keep Studying! Make sure to keep up your grades. Show how you have seized this opportunity and continue to learn.
Please contact your Ivy Options counselor or info@ivyoptions.com if you’d like help with your waitlist letter or strategy. We are here to help.