Congratulations, collegiette! A spot on the waitlist means that the college likes you, but there just isn’t enough room for all of the amazing candidates who applied. Students that the school wants but who are not as strong as the strongest of the candidates are put on the waitlist where the likelihood of being admitted is small, but not impossible. In other words, never forget that being waitlisted means you still have a chance. And who’s to say you can’t be among the small percentage of people who are ultimately removed from the waitlist and accepted to the school of their dreams?
So here’s the scoop, waitlisted collegiettes: you’re still in the running for a spot at the school, but everything you do from now on can either help or hurt your chances of getting in. When fewer than the expected number of students enroll to fill the school’s incoming freshman class, colleges will go to their waitlists and offer admissions. How can you avoid compromising your chances of acceptance? Her Campus found out by speaking with Martha Blevins Allman, Dean of Admissions at Wake Forest University, and two collegiettes who were taken off the waitlists at their dream schools.
1. Let the school know you’re still interested ASAP
Simply put, your chances of acceptance go up as soon as you notify the school of your decision to remain on the waitlist. This may seem like a no-brainer, but responding swiftly to the waitlist can give you an edge if the university gauges student interest by their response time. When they are admitting waitlisted students, colleges will ultimately seek out those who are committed to attending if they will be offered a seat in the class.
“Do not give up until the college tells you it’s time to give up,” says Allman. “If the college that waitlisted you is your first choice, keep your name on the waitlist as long as possible. Even if you aren’t admitted as a freshman, transfer may sometimes be an option.”
Mikki Mori, a junior at Georgetown University, was committed to and happy with her decision to attend the University of Michigan until she found out a month before her first week of classes that she was accepted to her dream school. “I never could have guessed I would get off the waitlist,” says Mikki. “When I did, I ultimately chose Georgetown because of their health care management and policy program, its international flair, and its location in Washington, DC.” But Mikki didn’t just wait around and twiddle her thumbs until she was accepted. “I responded promptly to my waitlist offer to show my enthusiasm and continued interest,” says Mikki. “I figured little things like that could only benefit me.”
2. Do NOT forget to follow up
As soon as you indicate your decision to remain on the waitlist, communicate your continued interest with the admissions office by sending a follow-up letter or e-mail describing why the college is a great fit for you and why you want to be there. In your letter, state that the school is your number one choice and emphasize how you would contribute to the incoming freshman class as well as the campus community as a whole.
Melissa Bradley, a junior and Campus Correspondent for Duke University’s Her Campus chapter, responded to her placement on the waitlist by essentially sending Duke another admissions essay. “I wrote about my desire to major in religion and why Duke was the best place to do it,” says Melissa. “I guess it worked! After all, they can’t criticize you for being too passionate about the school of your dreams.” A well-written letter expressing your commitment to the school and any academic or extracurricular justifications for wanting to attend could be all it takes to tip the scales in your favor.
3. Do NOT let your grades suffer
Don’t give the admissions office the option of moving you down the waitlist simply because you’re suffering from a case of senioritis. Universities challenge students with a waitlist to test how they will overcome obstacles very similar to those experienced in a collegiate environment. When faced with adversity, admissions officers look for students who will step up to the plate.
Melissa submitted her exam results to Duke at the end of her senior year to demonstrate initiative through her improved academic performance. Mikki also impressed the admissions office with her academic commitment while still managing to enjoy her senior year. “I made sure my grades did not falter too much while I enjoyed my last semester with my high school friends,” says Mikki.
By improving your grades and demonstrating continued academic excellence, you also will authenticate your unfaltering work ethic and dedication as a student who will be an asset to the incoming class. “When colleges review waitlisted students, academic improvement is a plus,” says Allman.
4. Do NOT forget to share significant accomplishments
A vital step to being admitted off the waitlist is notifying the college about any new academic information or special accomplishments that highlight reasons why you would be an asset to the school. Not only does this boost your credentials, but your effort to stay in touch also reinforces your sincere interest in the school. “If you win a major award at school or in the community or are recognized for excellence in your extracurricular involvement, communicate it to the admissions office,” says Dean Allman.
Some college admissions departments even allow you to send one additional letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to why you are a good fit for the school. Anything that boosts your credibility in the slightest way will raise your chances of being taken off the waitlist when room becomes available. “I updated the admissions office with senior awards I received later in the semester,” says Mikki.
Don’t leave anything out, collegiette. If you are accepted for a summer internship, let the admissions office know. If your application didn’t stand out enough before, then change the school’s mind about you.
5. Do NOT harass the Admissions Office
“Do not send flowers, candy or pictures of you in the sportswear of the college in question,” says Dean Allman. “Do not ask your parents, counselors or alumni of the institution to barrage the admissions office with phone calls, emails and letters. It’s far better to speak for yourself.”
You want to stand out, but not by being known as the student who sends an email every day or has asked everyone they know to make a call in their favor. Harassing the admissions office won’t prove anything about how “desperately” you want to attend, but will only allow the admissions office to make note of the pestering on your file. Attracting the school’s attention by writing a song for the admissions office can either remove you from the waitlist with a spot in the incoming class or lead to your ultimate rejection. A much safer alternative is to call the admissions office about your interest and check in periodically to inquire about your status and the movement of the waitlist. Don’t inquire as to why you were put on the waitlist, but ask if you can interview, especially if you haven’t already. If the admissions officers can meet the passionate pre-collegiette behind the SAT score and resume, they may realize something they couldn’t see on paper.
There are several ways to be productive while you wait out the waitlist, including deciding which is the right school for you. But once the waiting is over, remember that the decision is really out of your control. Where you are accepted is where you ultimately belong so relax, enjoy your senior year and embrace the place where you will spend your next four years.