For many students, college decisions bring excitement, relief, or sometimes disappointment. But another result often causes confusion: being waitlisted. What does it mean to be waitlisted—and what can you or your student do about it?
Being waitlisted isn’t the end of the road, but it’s not an acceptance either. Understanding how waitlists work, what your odds are, and what steps you can take next can make a huge difference in managing this uncertain phase.
It’s also an opportunity to reflect strategically on your application journey and revisit your list of options with fresh eyes.
What It Means To Be Waitlisted
When a college waitlists you, they are essentially saying: “You meet our admissions standards, but we don’t have a spot for you right now.” You weren’t rejected, and you’re still in the running—but only if space opens up after admitted students accept or decline their offers.
Colleges use waitlists to manage enrollment and yield. If fewer accepted students commit than expected, schools turn to their waitlist to fill remaining seats. This is part of why understanding your place in the admissions timeline is critical. For a deeper dive into how this fits with your overall admissions strategy, review our guidance on what every parent needs to know about the college admissions timeline.
While it’s an encouraging sign that your application was competitive, the reality is that waitlist admission is uncertain and can be limited. In highly selective schools, being waitlisted is often a soft denial—but not always.
Why Colleges Use Waitlists
Waitlists help institutions control class sizes and maintain selectivity. Schools don’t want to over-enroll or under-enroll, so they wait to see how many admitted students commit by the national deadline (usually May 1). After that, they reassess enrollment numbers and, if needed, make offers to waitlisted students.
Some colleges rank students on their waitlist; others review all remaining waitlist candidates equally if spots open. The process varies, so it’s important to check how each college handles their waitlist—and to only submit updates or letters if the school explicitly welcomes them.
How Common Is Waitlisting?
According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC):
- About 43% of colleges use waitlists
- Roughly 20% of students who choose to remain on waitlists are eventually admitted
- At more selective schools, waitlist admit rates can be in the low single digits
Recent data highlights how unpredictable waitlists can be. At the University of Michigan, one year saw 5% of waitlisted applicants admitted—another year, less than 1%. Middlebury College has years where no waitlisted applicants were offered admission.
Waitlist chances often depend on:
- Enrollment targets and how many admitted students commit
- Institutional priorities (like major, geography, or demographics)
- The strength of your application compared to others on the waitlist
What To Do If You’re Waitlisted
If your student is waitlisted, here are key steps to take:
- Accept or decline the waitlist spot: Most colleges require you to opt-in to remain under consideration.
- Submit a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): If permitted, write a respectful letter reiterating your interest and updating the school on new accomplishments.
- Update your application: Provide updated grades, awards, or leadership roles—but only if the school accepts these materials.
- Reaffirm your commitment: If the school is your top choice, say so. Demonstrated interest may boost your chances.
In our post on what it means to be waitlisted or deferred, we break down how to craft a compelling LOCI and manage communication with admissions offices.
Manage Your Other Options
Don’t wait on the waitlist alone. While remaining hopeful is okay, students should:
- Accept another college’s offer by the May 1 deadline
- Submit deposits and complete next steps like orientation sign-ups and housing forms
- Emotionally commit to attending the confirmed school—even as you remain on a waitlist elsewhere
It’s important to treat a waitlist acceptance as a welcome surprise—not the foundation of your college plan. Being realistic will allow your family to move forward confidently while leaving room for flexibility.
The Reality of Waitlist Offers
Getting accepted from a waitlist can be a last-minute surprise—often in May, June, or even July. This can present challenges:
- Financial aid may be more limited, especially institutional grants or scholarships
- Campus housing may already be filled, requiring off-campus arrangements
- Time to decide is often short, creating pressure to make a fast choice
That’s why families working with CBRG often create parallel financial and academic plans. By preparing both for your enrolled college and a potential waitlist call, you can avoid scrambling in the final weeks of summer.
Understanding the Emotional Side
Being waitlisted can feel like being placed in limbo. It’s natural for students to feel disappointed or overlooked. Remind your student that this outcome is not a reflection of their worth or potential—it’s a numbers game, and often comes down to factors outside their control.
Support them by:
- Reaffirming their accomplishments and strengths
- Helping them focus on the exciting opportunities at their confirmed school
- Reminding them that many students thrive where they least expected
Sometimes, waitlist outcomes even lead to gap year decisions or transfer considerations—both of which CBRG can help families explore when appropriate.
How CBRG Supports Waitlisted Students
At CBRG, we guide families through every stage of college admissions—including the uncertainty of the waitlist. Our support is strategic, empathetic, and grounded in experience.
We help students:
- Craft persuasive, professional LOCIs tailored to each college’s requirements
- Evaluate whether to remain on certain waitlists or shift focus
- Navigate award letter comparisons in case of late offers
- Maintain academic and financial readiness for either scenario
We also emphasize communication—between parents, students, and schools—to reduce stress and ensure informed choices. If your student is struggling to navigate these complexities, our college planning services can provide clarity and structure.