Understanding US College Waitlists: What It Means and How to Plan Ahead

In 2024, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) faced delays due to the rollout of a new, simplified form, which impacted students’ ability to submit financial aid applications early. Once again, the U.S. Department of Education announced that the 2025-2026 FAFSA will only be available to a small selection of students starting October 1 to test out the process. It will then be available to everyone on December 1. This delay and the need to test out the form have many worried about more students being waitlisted, among other issues. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what it means to be on a waitlist and how best to plan your next steps. 

What is a college waitlist? 

While usually applicable to US undergraduate programs, a college waitlist is a roster of applicants who are neither accepted nor rejected but are placed in a state of admissions limbo. Being on a waitlist means that the college considers you a qualified candidate but doesn’t have enough available spots in the incoming class to offer immediate admission. After accepted students make their decisions, usually by May 1, colleges assess how many spots remain. Available spots are then offered to waitlisted students, but it’s not guaranteed. The waitlist allows colleges to manage final enrollment numbers and maintain flexibility if fewer accepted students decide to attend than expected.

Each college has its policy for managing waitlists, including the number of students typically admitted from the list. For instance, in 2024, Yale University did not accept waitlisted applicants. However, according to U.S. News & World Report, among the 20 colleges that admitted the most applicants off the waitlist, the overall average for fall 2023 was 51.9 percent, according to U.S. News data. Eleven schools admitted more than 56 percent. 

Why do colleges have waitlists?  

1) Protecting their yield rate

Yield rate refers to the percentage of accepted students who decide to enrol at a particular college. Maintaining an optimal yield rate allows colleges to meet their enrollment targets without admitting too many students or falling short of capacity. If too many accepted students decide to enrol, colleges may exceed their housing, classroom, and faculty capacity, leading to resource strain. Overcrowding can also affect the student experience and negatively impact the college’s reputation.  On the other hand, if fewer accepted students choose to enrol, the college might not meet its financial or diversity goals, as tuition revenue and campus engagement depend on having the correct number of students. To avoid both scenarios, colleges typically extend more admission offers than they have spots, knowing that not everyone will enrol. However, the number of students who accept admission offers can vary yearly, and this is where the waitlist plays an important role.

2) Enrollment management 

Colleges also aim to create a diverse and well-rounded incoming class. Admissions offices balance various factors such as academic programmes, gender, ethnicity, geographical representation, and extracurricular interests when making final decisions. Waitlists help them manage this balance and fine-tune their incoming class based on the profiles of those who enrolled.

3) Managing application surges

The number of applications, mainly to highly selective US colleges, rises yearly. According to updates from the Common Application, as of March 1, 2024, the number of college applicants grew by six percent compared to the previous year. Highly selective colleges receive far more applications. For example, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) received 59,465 applications for the Class of 2027 and 65,230 applications for the Class of 2028. Many applicants are similarly qualified. To avoid rejecting strong candidates outright, colleges use waitlists as a safety net to admit some of these students later if spots become available.

What are the implications of being waitlisted for international students? 

Being placed on a college waitlist introduces several unique considerations for international students. Understanding these factors is crucial to planning your next move: 

1) Visa timelines

International students need sufficient time to apply for and secure student visas before beginning their studies. Being waitlisted can delay admission decisions, pushing the timeline for obtaining the necessary visa. However, take respite because US embassies generally issue visas up to 120 days before your programme starts. However, if you do get off the college waitlist, you’ll need to quickly decide on accepting the offer so that you can begin the visa process. 

2) Financial aid uncertainty

For many international students, financial aid or scholarships are crucial for making college abroad financially viable. Being placed on the waitlist can add uncertainty, as most financial aid resources are allocated during the initial admissions round. When a waitlisted student is offered admission, these funds may be limited or unavailable. However, some colleges, like Syracuse University, set aside some financial aid for late admits. 

3) Housing availability

Many colleges offer on-campus housing for admitted students, but these spots can fill quickly. Securing on-campus accommodations might be challenging for international students admitted late from the waitlist. However, it’s important to note that many colleges provide resources and support to help students navigate this situation. If on-campus housing is unavailable, colleges often have housing offices that assist with finding off-campus accommodations. Additionally, institutions like Yale University maintain partnerships with nearby apartment complexes, making it easier for international students to secure safe and convenient housing. While the situation may initially feel uncertain, contacting the school’s housing office can provide options and ease the transition.

What to do if you’re waitlisted: Key strategies to stay in the game

After a long and challenging application, being waitlisted can be disappointing. It’s natural to feel uncertain, and you may have many questions about what comes next. However, being waitlisted isn’t the end of your college journey. Here are effective strategies that can get you off the wait 

1) Respond to the waitlist offer:

Once you’ve been waitlisted, you must decide whether to accept or decline the offer. Only stay on the waitlist if the university remains your top choice. If you do not want to remain on the waitlist, decline as soon as possible to ensure another deserving candidate can take the spot. However, remember that this decision is permanent, and you should only do it if you cannot or will not attend. After accepting, it’s crucial to understand each school’s specific waitlist policies. Some institutions may request more information, such as an update on achievements since submitting your application. Others may prefer no additional communication. Contact your regional admissions officer for clarification if you’re unsure about the appropriate next steps. Their guidance will help ensure you’re following the correct protocol.

2) Reflect on your progress since you submitted your application: 

A lot may have changed since you applied in November or January. Take some time to consider any new accomplishments or developments, such as improved grades, leadership roles, participation in new activities, or successes in competitions. Evidence of your continued progress can make your profile more appealing to the admissions committee.

3) Express continued  interest: 

If you’re keen on attending a college that has waitlisted you, express your interest quickly and effectively. Start by writing a letter of your continued interest and request that they add it to your file. Always use a positive tone and inform the admissions office about any progress or achievements made since you submitted your application. Make it clear that you will attend if accepted. Be specific about why you are a good fit for the university by emphasising how it aligns with your goals and interests. Even if you’ve had an interview, requesting another one could make a difference. This additional face-time will allow you to highlight recent accomplishments, such as improved grades or awards, and reiterate your commitment to attending the school.

4) Submit an additional recommendation letter:

If the university asks for an additional letter of recommendation, arrange to have it submitted promptly. However, if the school doesn’t specifically ask, it’s a good idea to email the admissions office and inquire whether they would accept another letter—do not send one without checking first. If you submit an additional recommendation, consider who would best complement the letters you’ve already provided. If your previous letters were from teachers, think about asking someone who can offer a different perspective, such as a mentor, employer, or coach who can highlight another side of you.

Once you’ve chosen the person to write the letter, guide them on what to emphasise. Share your resume or CV, original application, and Common App essay so they understand what matters to you and your connection to the school. You should also update them on the points you plan to cover in your letter of continued interest so they can focus on any new accomplishments or experiences.

The key to submitting an additional letter of recommendation is ensuring it adds a fresh perspective to your application. For instance, if you mentioned volunteering at an animal shelter but didn’t go into much detail, your supervisor at the shelter could write a letter highlighting your values and explaining why you’d be a strong fit for the school’s community.

5) Don’t let your grades slip: 

If you’re placed on a waitlist, take the next few months as an opportunity to push yourself to achieve more. Admissions committees want to see that you’re resilient and can continue to excel even when faced with challenges. Don’t let the waitlist slow you down, whether it’s in your academics, extracurriculars, or personal projects. While some classmates may feel they can ease up on their schoolwork after completing the college admissions process, staying focused is still crucial for you. It’s important to remain diligent. You want the college that waitlisted you to see your commitment and hard work, regardless of the situation. That means continuing to excel in your studies and maintaining your best effort.

6) Put down a deposit at a university that has offered you a spot: 

While it’s natural to hold out hope for your waitlisted school, secure your spot at another university by putting down the deposit. If you’re later accepted off the waitlist, you may lose that deposit, but failing to do so could leave you without a place to enrol. You’re not obligated to accept the offer if you’re admitted off a waitlist. However, if you accept, inform the college where you previously submitted a deposit that you won’t attend.Being waitlisted is just one step in your journey, not a final destination. Whether you eventually receive an offer from your waitlisted school or discover a new path at another institution, trust that the right opportunity will come your way. Stay determined, keep pushing forward, and embrace the possibilities ahead. For further guidance, book an appointment with us or read our blogs: Undergraduate Application Outcomes: What They Are and How to Respond? And How to Write Your Letter of Continued Interest.