The Waiting Game: What to Do When You’re Waitlisted

February 11, 2025 :: Admissionado

You open your decision letter, heart pounding, only to see it: Waitlisted. Not rejected, not accepted—just stuck in limbo.

So what does that actually mean? Is it the admissions committee’s way of saying, “Maybe, but probably not”?

Short answer: It’s not over yet. But now comes the waiting game.

Here’s what you need to know when waitlist decisions come out, how waitlists work, and what you can do to improve your chances.

How College Waitlists Work (And What They Don’t Tell You)

Think of a waitlist as a university’s backup roster. Admissions offices carefully calculate how many students to accept, but they also know that some won’t enroll. That’s where the waitlist comes in—if too many admitted students decline their spots, colleges dip into the waitlist to fill the gaps.

But here’s what they don’t advertise:

Some schools almost never pull from their waitlist, while others admit hundreds. It varies wildly depending on the year, the school, and the yield rate (how many admitted students actually enroll).
The brutal truth? Getting off a waitlist is even harder than getting in outright. Acceptance rates from the waitlist are often single digits at top schools, making it a long shot.

That said, it’s not impossible—and there are things you can do to improve your odds.

When Do Waitlist Decisions Come Out?

The waitlist process moves slowly—colleges won’t start pulling students until they know how many accepted applicants actually enroll. That means most waitlist decisions come out between May and July, after the May 1 deposit deadline has passed.

Here’s how it typically plays out:

Most colleges notify waitlisted students in late May or June, once they assess their enrollment numbers.
Some schools, like the University of Michigan and UC schools, release waitlist results in waves throughout the summer. This means you could hear back in June, July, or even August.
Ivy League schools often wait until May or June, but in rare cases, students have been admitted as late as August if spots unexpectedly open up.

Pro Tip: Check last year’s waitlist decision release dates for your school. While not a guarantee, it can help you get a sense of when decisions might start rolling out.

Waitlist Acceptance Rates: Your Real Chances

So, what are your actual odds of getting off the waitlist? It depends on the school. Some universities pull more heavily from the waitlist, while others admit almost no one.

The general rule? The more selective the school, the lower your chances. At ultra-competitive schools, waitlist spots are essentially lottery tickets—you might get lucky, but don’t bank on it. However, at schools that have a more variable yield year over year, your chances could be much higher.

What You Can Do While You Wait

Being waitlisted isn’t a passive process—there are smart moves you can make to improve your chances.

Accept Your Spot ASAP – If the school requires you to confirm your waitlist spot, do it immediately. Some schools only consider students who formally opt in.
Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) – This is your chance to remind the admissions office why you’re still a great fit. Keep it concise, reaffirm your enthusiasm, and highlight any new achievements since you applied.
Secure a Backup Plan – Even if the waitlist is your top choice, put down a deposit elsewhere by May 1. If you get off the waitlist later, you can withdraw from your backup school.
Stay Engaged – Some schools track demonstrated interest, so don’t disappear. Follow up with your regional admissions rep, attend virtual events, or engage with the school’s communications.
Prepare for Late Decisions – Some colleges pull from the waitlist as late as August, just before classes start. If you’re committed to waiting, be ready to make a quick decision if a spot opens up.

Taking these steps won’t guarantee acceptance, but they maximize your chances—and that’s all you can control.

Can You Appeal a Waitlist Decision?

Nope. Unlike a rejection, a waitlist decision can’t be appealed—colleges won’t reconsider your application or change your status upon request.

Your only move? A well-crafted Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) that reinforces your enthusiasm, highlights any new achievements, and reminds the admissions committee why you’re the perfect fit.

Final Takeaways

Being waitlisted isn’t a rejection—but it’s not an acceptance either. You’re in limbo, and that uncertainty can be a challenge.
Know the timelines and historical yield rates to set realistic expectations. Some schools admit a decent number of students from the waitlist, while others barely take anyone.
Take action. Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI), keep your grades up, and secure a solid Plan B in case the waitlist doesn’t work out.
And most importantly? Don’t just wait. Be proactive, control what you can, and focus on making the best decision for your future—whether it’s at your waitlist school or somewhere else.