Written by Margie, Guest Contributor and Social Media Expert

What Does It Mean to Be Waitlisted?

For many high school students, the college admission journey comes with a roller coaster of emotions. One of the most uncertain moments? Finding out you’ve been placed on the waitlist at one of your top-choice schools. But don't worry—being waitlisted isn’t a dead end. It’s an opportunity to keep hope alive and even take action to improve your chances of getting admitted.

So, what exactly does being waitlisted mean? Essentially, the college has reviewed your application and found you to be a strong candidate. However, they can’t offer you a spot just yet. Colleges often receive more applications than available seats, so they keep a waiting list in case admitted students decide to attend elsewhere. While being waitlisted may feel like a setback, it’s not the end of the road.

What High School Students Should Do First

The first thing you should do after being waitlisted is to evaluate your options. Getting waitlisted often feels like a pause, so it’s essential to stay proactive. Start by researching other colleges that have offered you admission. Compare their programs, campus culture, and financial aid packages to see if they might actually be a good fit. High school students can often find that a second-choice school ends up being the perfect match in the long run.

Then, make sure to inform the school that waitlisted you of your interest. This is where you can take some action to boost your chances. Send a letter of continued interest, which is a brief but genuine message to the admissions team explaining why you’re still excited about attending. Keep it specific, mentioning any updated achievements or reasons that make the school an ideal choice for you.

The Waiting Game: Staying Positive and Prepared

For high school students on the waitlist, the hardest part is often the wait itself. It’s a period of unknowns, which can be nerve-wracking. Instead of focusing on the uncertainty, try to channel your energy into activities that strengthen your skills and enrich your application profile.

Take Mia’s experience as an example. Mia was waitlisted at her dream school, so she decided to dive deeper into her extracurriculars, volunteering more hours at a local shelter and even starting an online initiative to raise funds for animal welfare. When the admissions team requested an update, Mia had tangible achievements to share, which highlighted her growth and commitment.

Understanding Your Chances of Admission

It’s essential for waitlisted high school students to know that the likelihood of acceptance varies. Each college handles its waitlist differently, and the percentage of waitlisted students who eventually gain admission depends on factors like the school’s yield rate (the percentage of accepted students who enroll) and available spots. Some colleges are more transparent about this data than others, but looking up the school’s historical waitlist acceptance rate can provide insights.

Some high school students are tempted to reach out to admissions repeatedly, hoping that persistence will sway their decision. However, while one letter of continued interest can positively reflect your enthusiasm, sending too many follow-up emails may backfire. Admissions officers prefer concise, purposeful updates rather than excessive communication.

Making a Plan B: Choosing the Right School

While waiting, remember that it’s essential to have a solid Plan B. Explore other college offers with an open mind. Often, high school students discover hidden gems when they take a closer look at schools outside their original top choices. For example, Jake had his heart set on a selective liberal arts college, but after getting waitlisted, he looked more closely at a larger university that had accepted him. The diversity of programs and campus resources ultimately led him to fall in love with the school he hadn’t initially considered.

Leveraging Letters of Recommendation and Updates

If you’ve recently won an award, completed a significant project, or taken on a leadership role, this is valuable information for the admissions team. A concise update that includes these achievements can be a strategic way to strengthen your position. Additionally, consider requesting an additional letter of recommendation from a mentor or teacher who can speak to your growth or contributions since you applied.

Keep in mind that admissions teams are usually overwhelmed, so keep your update brief and relevant. High school students who are respectful and strategic about their follow-up tend to leave a positive impression.

Exploring Financial Aid and Scholarships

One commonly overlooked tip for high school students on a waitlist is to use this time to look into financial aid options. If you’re eventually accepted, having already researched scholarships, grants, and loans can give you a head start. This planning can be especially helpful if the school offers a financial aid match or allows you to appeal for additional support.

Emma, another waitlisted student, spent her waiting period exploring different funding options. By the time she received her acceptance, she had a strong understanding of her financial needs and had applied for several local scholarships, which lightened her financial load when she enrolled.

Keep Your Options Open

Remember, colleges place students on a waitlist because they believe in their potential and could see them thriving on campus. While it’s essential to show interest, don’t pin all your hopes on one option. High school students should use this time to solidify their future plans.

Many students on a waitlist end up thriving in other schools, finding opportunities that match their academic and career goals. Jackie, for example, was initially waitlisted but chose to attend a different college where she later discovered a passion for environmental science, leading to numerous internships and career opportunities.

Final Thoughts for High School Students

Being waitlisted is not a failure—it’s just part of the unpredictable path of college admissions. By staying proactive, exploring other options, and keeping a positive outlook, high school students can turn the waitlist experience into a growth opportunity.

Every journey is unique, and being adaptable during these times helps build resilience and readiness for the challenges ahead in college and beyond.

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