What are waitlists?

Every year, most colleges create a waitlist—a kind of admissions limbo. If you’re offered a spot on a waitlist, it means you haven’t been accepted yet, but you could be offered admission later, typically in the spring or summer, if space becomes available.

Why do colleges use waitlists?

Colleges use waitlists because enrollment is unpredictable. In April, most students are choosing between multiple acceptances, and colleges know some admitted students will decline their offers. If fewer students enroll than expected, colleges turn to the waitlist to fill the incoming class.

Do colleges always use their waitlists?

Not necessarily, because it’s not a one-to-one ratio. Colleges build their enrollment models expecting that some accepted students will say, “thanks, but no thanks.” For instance, a college with 5,000 spaces might admit 7,000 students, anticipating about 2,000 will decline. The key word here is “guessing” — predictions rely on historical data, but enrollment teams can miss the mark. When fewer students say yes than predicted, colleges turn to their waitlist.

How does the waitlist process work?

A waitlist letter is not a guarantee of admission—it’s an offer to join the waitlist, which you can accept or decline. If you choose to stay on the list, colleges may suggest sending a letter of continued interest or updates. Other colleges might explicitly state students should not send additional materials. Then, the actual waiting begins. After the May 1 deposit deadline, colleges evaluate their enrollment numbers. If they are short of their target, they reach out to some waitlisted students with offers. This process can extend well into the summer.

Why can the waitlist process last so long?

Remember that it’s not just one college figuring out the class, but every college. Imagine that Green University sees on May 1st that it needs 40 more students, so it pulls from its waitlist—taking students who had previously committed to Geller University, Tribbiani College, and others. Suddenly, Geller University’s class shrinks, so they turn to their waitlist, pulling students from Buffet University, Bing College, and more. Bing College is fine, having enough students to absorb the loss. But Buffet University, already low on numbers, is hit hard and dips into its own waitlist, pulling students from other schools. And so, the cycle continues.

This ripple effect, known as “summer melt,” can keep waitlist activity going through July or even August. It happens because colleges are constantly adjusting their incoming class sizes based on student commitments. Colleges may want firm commitments from students they admit off the waitlist, but there are no guarantees. Students who say “yes” in June might switch to another school’s offer in July if they get off another waitlist—abandoning their deposit. It’s a dance: slow some years, fast and unpredictable in others.

How many students come off a waitlist?

The number of students admitted from a waitlist varies by year and college. If a college over-enrolls or most admitted students accept their offers, no one may come off the waitlist. However, if the college under-enrolls or experiences significant “summer melt” (when students back out of their commitments), many students may be admitted from the waitlist. Ultimately, waitlist movement depends on the college’s enrollment needs for that year.

Are waitlists ranked?

While a few colleges might have a ranked waitlist where students with a “higher waitlist rank” might be the first ones called when a space opens up, more often colleges select students based on the needs of the incoming class. For example, if a college needs more women to balance the class, they may admit female students from the waitlist. Any number of needs may determine who gets contacted to come off the waitlist.

What can I do to improve my chances?

First, take a deep breath. Whether you’re called off a waitlist is mostly out of your control, as it depends on numbers and college needs. However, you can demonstrate your interest to improve your chances. If a college offers the option to submit a letter of continued interest or an essay, do it! Treat it with the same care as your college essays, showing genuine enthusiasm. If additional recommendations are allowed, consider submitting one that provides a new perspective. Remember, they have all the materials you submitted before, so you don’t want to send the same information again. Follow each college’s instructions carefully. If they say not to send something, respect that—they mean it. But if they don’t prohibit additional materials, a thoughtful letter of continued interest is always a good idea.

What should I include in a letter of continued interest?

Express Your Enthusiasm: Start by thanking the admissions committee for keeping you on the waitlist. Clearly state that you remain very interested in attending. If this is your top choice, say so.

Share Updates: Highlight meaningful achievements since your application. For example, mention a significant research project, a leadership role in a club, or new community service work.

Explain Your Ongoing Interest: Briefly share why the school still feels like the right fit for you. Focus on personal connections—like campus culture or the school’s mission—rather than listing facts from the website. Let your authentic voice shine through!

End on a Gracious Note: Conclude respectfully. Avoid sounding frustrated, confused, or even saddened about your waitlist status. Instead, express gratitude for the chance to be considered and thank the committee for their time.

What happens after I submit my materials?

Focus on your current options. Secure your spot by putting down a deposit at a college where you’ve been accepted and begin getting excited about it. If a waitlist offer comes through, you can decide then. But if it doesn’t, you may discover that your initial choice is a fantastic fit after all! Ultimately, a waitlist offer may not seem as important to you as it once did.