On A Waitlist? Here are 9 Action Steps

During college acceptance season, you may be notified you've been placed on a waitlist. A waitlist notification isn't an acceptance, but it's also not yet a denial. Admissions offices create waitlists to allow themselves the opportunity to select additional qualified students if space allows once accepted students decide whether or not they will attend the school.

Most waitlists aren't "lists" at all but rather wait "pools." In other words, colleges don't typically rank the order in which they will take students, but pull students from the waitlist based on their enrollment goals and the types of students who have already committed to the school. As students accept or decline offers of admission, colleges can use this pool to ensure they have enough students committed to their incoming freshman class.

While the waitlist can help a college or university fill its seats, it causes a lot of uncertainty for high school seniors. If you've been placed on a waitlist, here are steps you can take while you wait for a school's final decision:

1. Accept the waitlist offer.

If you are still interested in attending the school that extended the waitlist offer, formerly accept the position on the waitlist per the school's instructions. That may require mailing paperwork back to the school, emailing the admissions office, or completing an online form.

2. Accept another college's offer.

This step is so important as you need to ensure you have a school to attend come the fall semester. Make sure to submit the enrollment deposit (which is usually non-refundable) and accept a place in the freshman class of a college or university by May 1st.

3. Advocate for yourself.

While you stand by for the decision—and if the waitlist college allows it—update the admissions committee with any new awards, honors, or achievements that you receive from your academics, the community, or extracurricular activities. In addition, write a letter that confirms and elaborates on your interest in attending the college.

4. Research transfer options.

If the waitlist school is your number one choice, you may want to find out transfer policies and acceptance rates. Does the school accept transfer students? When? How many students are accepted each semester? Is financial aid offered? Answers to these questions can help you determine if transferring later might be an option.

5. Check your financial aid.

If applicable, make sure any school where you are waitlisted has your financial aid documents. Many colleges offer financial assistance to waitlisted students, but some don't. Be sure to check on each school's policies.

6. Concentrate on academics.

The waitlist is a great motivation to finish your senior year strong, as year-end grades can be sent to a waitlist school. Make sure you are concentrating on maintaining a high GPA.

7. Timely Inquire.

Avoid pestering, but know that it's acceptable to check in with a college a month or two after receiving a waitlist offer to let them know of your continued interest and what you can offer as a student on campus. It's a good idea to inquire if you have not received a decision by mid-May.

8. Plan for a denial.

Though schools do sometimes offer letters of acceptance to their waitlisted students, many schools go through an admissions cycle never using their waitlist. Be prepared to move forward with plans to attend another college.

9. Be patient.

Students on the waitlist can receive offers of admission as late as August, so keep that in mind as you make plans for the fall semester.

As you navigate steps after receiving a waitlist offer, don't be too discouraged. Initial disappointment is expected but offers of acceptance will arrive from other colleges that provide strong academics, great extracurricular activities, and a vibrant social environment. Concentrate on the acceptances rolling in and the adventures that the next four years will bring, wherever you ultimately decide to attend.