23 03, 2025

​What Happens If You Get Waitlisted?

By |2025-03-23T10:52:55-04:00March 23rd, 2025|College Admissions, Letter of Continued Interest, LOCI, Waitlisted, What Happens If You Get Waitlisted?|0 Comments

​What Happens If You Get Waitlisted?

What happens if you get waitlisted?  Ivy Day is almost here and receiving a waitlist notification from a college can be a disappointing and confusing experience. After dedicating so much time and effort to your application, finding yourself in limbo—neither accepted nor rejected—can be disheartening. However, being waitlisted is not the end of the road; it indicates that the admissions committee found your application compelling but couldn’t offer immediate admission due to limited space and because there were just other students who were just maybe slightly more of a solid bet.

Understanding what it means to be waitlisted and how to navigate this situation can significantly impact your chances of eventual acceptance, however.  It is NOT the end of the road.  Every single year I help students get off the waitlist, and I can help you, too, but first, let’s understand the situation in full so we can best attack it!

Understanding the Waitlist

When a college places you on its waitlist, it signifies that you are a qualified applicant who meets the institution’s standards. However, due to the extremely competitive nature of admissions and limited spots, especially at the Ivy League or “Top 20” US schools, the specific college cannot offer you a place at the moment.  That last sentence is key:  at the moment. Moments change.  There WILL be spaces that open up at every single school (yes, even Harvard and Princeton) because accepted students at both schools will choose one or the other — then leaving room for YOU.

Realize that the waitlist serves as a reserve pool of applicants who may be offered admission if spaces become available. This typically occurs after the college assesses how many accepted students enroll, a metric known as the yield rate.​ It’s true that the top schools, again, especially the top Ivy League colleges, have a lower yield rate than other schools that rank lower, BUT they 100% absolutely still have one: again, a student might choose Stanford over Harvard (leaving open a spot) or Yale over Princeton (great!  another spot!) or, they may not get the financial package they need to attend their school of choice (sad, but this is life, and it’s unfortunately true) and so that can leave a spot open for someone exactly like you.

The Emotional Impact

Being waitlisted can evoke a range of emotions—from frustration, disappointment, and even despair and clinical depression, to hope, belief, determination, resilence and uncertainty. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings while maintaining a balanced perspective. Remember, a waitlist is not a rejection; it’s an indication that you are a strong candidate to be competitive at that school.  Believe me, they have no problem rejecting students outright.  If you’re on the waitlist, you are a contender.

You’re qualified enough to be in the club…if the club has an opening. You just now need to make sure you’re 100% ready and know what to do, and how to position yourself, so when that opening becomes available (which it will, because remember, every single school — even Harvard, Stanford, MIT and Princeton have students who don’t accept) YOU will be there and ready to be chosen to walk through that open door.

There are, however, immediate steps you need to take. Do it right, and increase your chances exponentially. The game isn’t over!

The Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Respond Promptly: Most colleges require waitlisted students to confirm whether they wish to remain on the waitlist. Ensure you follow the institution’s instructions carefully and meet any deadlines.​
  2. Submit a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): A well-crafted LOCI can reinforce your enthusiasm for the college and provide updates on any new achievements. This is THE best thing you can do to increase your chances of admission. The LOCI is a way for students to update the admissions committee on any new developments since they submitted their application, as well as reiterate their desire and commitment to attend the school. Do it right, and it’s your ticket IN.

Writing the LOCI

When writing a strong LOCI, consider the following guidelines:

  • Be Concise: Admissions committees are busy and have a lot of applications to review, so it’s important to keep your letter brief and to the point. No more than one page (!!!)
  • Highlight New Achievements: Since submitting your application, have you won any awards, received any special recognition, or taken on any new leadership roles? Use your letter of continued interest to highlight these accomplishments and explain how they demonstrate your continued commitment to your education and personal growth.
  • Express Specific Interest: Use your letter of continued interest as an opportunity to reaffirm why you want to attend the school in question. Be specific about what draws you to the school and what you hope to gain from your education there. Focus on the academic side versus anything extracurricular.

Managing Expectations

It’s crucial to approach the waitlist with a realistic mindset. Admission off the waitlist is highly competitive and varies annually based on factors like the number of applicants, yield rates, and institutional needs. Every single year though students get off the waitlist, even at the most highly competitive schools, and GET IN.

Alternative Plans

While remaining hopeful about the waitlist, it’s prudent to consider other options:​

  • Accept Another Offer: Secure your spot at another institution where you’ve been accepted. This ensures you have a definite plan for your education.​ Just make sure your parents read the fine print before signing any kind of acceptance as they could end up losing their deposit…sometimes though that “bet” is worth it, regardless.  Just know what you’re agreeing to so there are no surprises.
  • You must accept somewhere, but you may want to wait as long as possible before that school’s deadline to accept in order to keep your doors open.  Do NOT miss any deadlines though, as the schools are unforgiving.
  • Stay Positive: Getting waitlisted can be depressing, but it’s important to stay positive.  You really don’t know what will happen. I’ve seen students get off the waitlist as late as July.  You never know. ​
  • Consider Transferring: If your heart is set on a particular college, remember that transferring is an option. Every year I work with students who didn’t get in to their first-choice school, but then DO get in as a transfer student — even to schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton. If you got waitlisted, just know that transferring is still a very valuable option.

Final Thoughts

Being waitlisted is a testament to your qualifications and potential. I know it doesn’t feel like it, but it’s actually a win. While it introduces a period of uncertainty, anxiety, and stress, proactive steps like submitting a strong LOCI, maintaining academic excellence, and exploring alternative opportunities like transferring and starting to put together that strategy, can positively influence your educational journey. Remember, the path to your goals may have unexpected turns, but success is still completely possible.

Want Help Crafting Your LOCI?

Want more help crafting a strong LOCI, or discussing your options around transferring?  I’m a former Harvard admissions interviewer and a Harvard graduate and have been running my college admissions firm IVY LEAGUE ESSAY for the last 15 years out of NYC.

I work with students all over the country who are targeting the Ivy League, or Top 20 schools, and would be happy to speak to you about your college possibilities and options. 

Contact me today for a free consultation and get into the school of your dreams! www.IvyCollegeEssay.com

Want more free tips and advice? Check out my other blog articles, below:

  1. What Are My Chances of Getting Off Harvard’s Waitlist? 
  2. How to Write the LOCI = Letter of Continued Interest?
  3. What to Do If You’re Waitlisted?

 

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6 05, 2023

How to Write A Letter of Continued Interest

By |2024-03-28T22:41:44-04:00May 6th, 2023|College Admissions, Deferred, Ivy League Advice, Letter of Continued Interest, LOCI, Waitlisted|1 Comment

How to Write A Letter of Continued Interest

A letter of continued interest is exactly what it sounds like – a letter that expresses continued interest in attending a particular college or university.

Being put on the waitlist of your college of choice, is a frustrating experience.  You’ve gotten SO CLOSE.  However, being waitlisted is not the end of the road. In fact, each year I get students off the waitlist, and there are specific steps that students can take to increase their chances of still getting accepted — the main one being to write a letter of continued interest.

Think of it as a way for you to update the admissions committee on any new developments since you submitted their application, as well as reiterate your desire to attend the school. You want to be IMPRESSIVE and to the POINT.

Here are some tips on how to write a good, effective letter of continued interest and hopefully still be in the game when it comes to getting in!

1. Keep it concise and to the point

Admissions committees are busy and have a lot of applications to review, so it’s important to keep your letter brief and to the point. Start with a short introduction and then get straight to the updates you want to share. Make sure you express your continued interest in attending the school, but avoid repeating information that was already included in your original application. Your letter should not be more than 1 page, and ideally, not more than 1-2 paragraphs tops.  DO NOT GO ON TO A SECOND PAGE!

2. Highlight any new accomplishments or achievements

Since submitting your application, have you won any awards, received any special recognition, taken on any new leadership roles?  Published a book?  Filed a patent? Use your letter of continued interest to highlight these accomplishments and explain how they demonstrate your continued commitment to your education and personal growth.

3. Be specific about WHY you want to attend the school

Use your letter of continued interest as an opportunity to reaffirm why you want to attend the school in question. Be specific about what draws you to THAT school and what you hope to gain from your education once there. Tailor your letter to the specific school and department but do not repeat what you wrote in the application!

4. Show enthusiasm and passion

Admissions committees want to see that you are truly excited about the prospect of attending their school. Use your letter to demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for your field of study and your desire to learn and grow as a student. Be genuine in your tone and avoid sounding too rehearsed or formulaic (a.k.a. “fake”).

5. Follow up appropriately. Appropriately being the key word!

After you’ve sent your letter of continued interest, it’s important to follow up ONLY if you have additional, significant updates since your last letter. Be mindful of the admissions committee’s time however as more than 2 letters post-waitlist, unless you’ve seriously published a book, or won the Noble Prize otherwise, it is really being too aggressive.

The adcom is BUSY.  They all know you want to go to your targeted school more than anything, but don’t be too desperate — as in dating, appear desperate and it will get you REJECTED. Instead, just be calm and cool…truly believe that the school would be lucky to have you.  That is the attitude you need to take.  Even with Princeton or Harvard.

So, in conclusion, I know that being waitlisted can be a disappointing experience, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world and there is still hope.

By writing a well-crafted letter of continued interest, you can increase your chances of achieving your goal of attending your desired school. Keep these tips in mind when crafting your letter, reach out to me if you want more one-on-one help (I charge $250 a letter, which includes me looking over your proposed updates in light of your application) and remember to be genuine, passionate, and specific in your communication with the school. Good luck, and you want to send them that letter within a week!

I’m a former Harvard admissions interviewer + a Harvard grad.  Contact me today for help with your Letter of Continued Interest, or any other of your college admissions needs: www.IvyCollegeEssay.com

And, check out my other blog articles, as well!

  1. How to Get Off Harvard’s Waitlist
  2. Want to Transfer to an Ivy League College — There’s Still Hope!
  3. The Best Ivy League College Admissions Blog

 

 

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5 05, 2023

How to Get Off Harvard’s Waitlist

By |2025-04-07T11:25:59-04:00May 5th, 2023|College Admissions, Harvard, Ivy League, Ivy League Advice, Ivy League College, Letter of Continued Interest, LOCI, Waitlisted, What Happens If You Get Waitlisted?|4 Comments

How to Get Off Harvard’s Waitlist

How do you get off Harvard’s waitlist? The Ivy League colleges are among the most selective institutions in the United States. With an acceptance rate of less than 10%, it’s no surprise that many qualified candidates are placed on a waitlist rather than receiving a definitive acceptance or rejection. If you are one of these students, it’s natural to wonder what are your chances of getting off an Ivy League waitlist like Harvard’s — or, if it’s even possible.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the waitlist process and provide some insights into your chances of getting off an Ivy League waitlist, using Harvard University as a prime example.

First, what is a waitlist?

Let’s start with the basics:  a waitlist is a pool of qualified applicants who have not been offered admission to a specific college but are still being considered for acceptance. Being waitlisted means that you have not been rejected, but you have also not been accepted.  You are in limbo, waiting for a decision.

So, what are your chances of getting off a waitlist, particularly at an Ivy League college like Harvard?

Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer to this question. It varies from year to year and depends on many factors, including the number of spots available, the strength of the applicant pool, and the yield rate (the percentage of admitted students who choose to attend). Generally speaking, Ivy League waitlists are incredibly competitive, and the odds of being admitted off the waitlist are extremely low.

Let’s take Harvard as an example.

In 2022, Harvard waitlisted 1,128 students, but only 12 were eventually offered admission. Keep in mind that Harvard is just one of eight Ivy League colleges though, and the acceptance rates at other institutions vary. The University of Pennsylvania, for example, pulled 55 students off their waitlist last year in comparison to Harvard’s 12.  Big difference!

So, what can you do to increase your chances of getting off the waitlist at Harvard or anywhere else?

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. Follow the school’s instructions: If you’ve been waitlisted, be sure to carefully read and follow any instructions provided by the college. This might include filling out a form, submitting additional materials, or writing a letter of continued interest.
  2. Show continued interest: Speaking of letters of continued interest, this is one of the best ways to demonstrate your continued interest in attending the school. If you choose to write a letter, be sure to highlight any new achievements or accolades since you applied and explain why you would be an asset to the institution. Keep it short, though! Less is more in these letters and your letter should be AT MOST only 1-2 paragraphs top.
  3. Stay positive: Getting waitlisted can be disheartening, but it’s important to stay positive and keep your options open. Consider accepting an offer from another institution, but don’t be afraid to keep in touch with the waitlisted school and express your continued interest.  The worst thing that could happen if you accept another school and then get off your desired school’s waitlist is that you lose your deposit from the other school.  In the scheme of your life and your goals this may not be so horrible.
  4. Be realistic: While it’s important to stay positive, it’s also important to be realistic about your chances of getting off the waitlist. Ivy League waitlists are incredibly competitive, and the odds of being admitted off the waitlist are low. Extremely low when we are talking about the most competitive schools.  That doesn’t mean it’s impossible though, just don’t pin all your hopes on one school, especially when we are talking about the most competitive Ivy League colleges and be prepared to accept an offer from another institution if necessary.
  5. Consider other options: If you’re not admitted off the waitlist, don’t despair. There are plenty of excellent colleges and universities out there, and many students go on to have successful lives and careers regardless of where they went to college.

It’s also worth noting that being waitlisted is not necessarily a reflection of your qualifications or potential as a student.

Admissions decisions are complex and take into account a wide range of factors, including academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, essays, letters of recommendation, and more. Being waitlisted simply means that the college was unable to offer you a spot in the incoming class due to the high number of qualified applicants in your specific year.

Furthermore, it’s important to keep in mind that colleges and universities want to build a diverse and well-rounded student body. So, even if your qualifications are excellent, you may not be admitted if the admissions committee feels that your profile is too similar to other admitted students. This is why it’s important to highlight what makes you unique and what you can contribute to the college community.

If you are admitted off the waitlist, congratulations!

You should feel proud of your accomplishment, as it is a testament to your perseverance and dedication. However, it’s important to keep in mind that being admitted off the waitlist can come with some challenges. For example, you may have less time to make a decision, as the enrollment deadline may be closer than if you had been accepted outright. Additionally, you may have missed out on some of the opportunities available to accepted students, such as early registration or access to certain programs or resources.

In conclusion, if you’ve been waitlisted at an Ivy League college like Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, or Yale it’s important to be realistic about your chances of getting off the waitlist.

While, again, it’s totally possible to be admitted off the waitlist, and it happens to my students every year, the selection is incredibly competitive. If you do choose to stay on the waitlist, be sure to follow any instructions provided by the college, express your continued interest, and keep your options open. And remember, there are plenty of excellent colleges and universities out there, and your future success does not depend solely on where you attend college. Whatever happens, keep working hard and pursuing your goals, and you will undoubtedly achieve great things.

Want more advice about transferring your freshman year and trying again for the Ivy League? 

Contact me today for a free consultation and get into the school of your dreams!  www.IvyCollegeEssay.com 

Check out these other articles too for great Ivy League waitlist advice:

  1. Waitlisted At An Ivy League College?
  2. Want to Transfer to An Ivy League School?

 

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