WAITLISTED?… take these steps to maximize your chances to get off the waitlist

WAITLISTED?… take these steps to maximize your chances to get off the waitlist

Got waitlisted at a University you applied to? Don’t worry because it’s not doomsday and you should have alternate appropriate fit Colleges that suit your academic, social and financial needs.  Regardless lets discuss some initial steps to take and reduce the anxiety when waitlisted at a University.

What is the Waitlist?

Think of the waitlist as sort of a twilight zone where you’re neither in nor out, but on hold. One can definitely get off the waitlist. Getting off the waitlist depends largely on the yield per school; the percentage of students offered admissions that will enroll at the university. Interestingly the number of students offered spots from the waitlist increased by 16% from 2014 to 2015 (Ivywise, 2017).  

What to do if you have been put on a University Waitlist?

Once the university informs you about being put on the Waitlist it is natural to be confused and remain uncertain about where to enroll. However it is important to not let the feeling overwhelm you and stop you from taking action. In fact it is important to take the following measures if the University you are waitlisted at is your top choice in order to ensure your best to get off the waitlist. 

1. Take a moment to pause and reflect on where you actually want to go and what your alternate options are. Perhaps there may be an alternate better option that you have not considered properly.
2. Write a, ‘First Choice Letter’ or as we like to call a, ‘ Letter of Enthusiasm’ to the University you have been waitlisted at in-order to show your desire and interest in attending the College. The tone of the letter is crucial and must seem genuine depicting all that you love about the college and how you can add value to the College community. It is important to re- emphasise your interest in the school and to show them that if you were accepted you would take up the position.
3. In addition to your letter give the University updates with all that you have done since you have applied and any relevant courses or activities you may have undertaken that have further developed your skills for the course you applied to the University for.
4. Secure your place at your second best option/preference by paying the non-refundable deposit by 1^st May and making sure you have a place at the University.
5. Stay in touch with the University and any contact you have there to make sure your interest and desire to attend the University is evident.
6. Study hard for your AP exams/A-Levels, as you never know what the University may ask you for as a pre requisite to get off the waitlist. Also continue to maintain a positive and healthy attitude at school in order to ensure your grades stay on top.

  

While being on the waitlist, especially for a University that is your top preference can be nerve wrecking it allows you to push yourself more and look at the possibility of other colleges that are fit for you. Remember in the US one can always transfer to their top choice at a later stage. Be open to possibilities and start University off with a positive and enthusiastic attitude trying to capture the best of the opportunity you have!

Daniya Sardar
(BSc. U of Warwick, MSc Imperial College London)

Chief Operating Officer and UK Admissions Head- The Edvisory