5 Tips to Get You Off the Waitlist

By Quetzal Mama • March 22, 2020

So, your #1 college has nicely asked if you’d like to be placed on their waitlist. Ug. Well, it’s better than being outright denied, no? While being on the waitlist can feel super stressful, I’m sharing 5 things you can do now to increase your odds of getting admitted . . . while keeping you distracted as you wait for final decisions.

1. Get on the Official List. First and foremost, make sure you’ve in fact accepted their invitation to be placed on the wait list. Double check by viewing your status in their portal. Different campuses have different deadlines to submit your acceptance of being placed on a wait list. Don't miss the deadlines!

2. Read Directions Carefully. Every campus has its own protocol, so read the directions carefully. For example, while some campuses provide detailed instructions on what to include in an appeal letter, other campuses explicitly state candidates may not submit appeal letters.

3. Write a Compelling Letter. Log into your applicant portal and send a formal letter (not a text or a 1 paragraph email) to the Admissions Office. In this letter, you’re communicating 3 things: (1) Your continued interest in accepting a spot at their campus; (2) This college is your number 1 choice; and (3) new and compelling information. The definition of “new and compelling” includes important changes that occurred since you submitted your application. Examples of new and compelling” information can be a new academic award or academic distinction, a national scholarship award, or a significant increase in your GPA (reflected by your most recent transcript). Note: a significant scholarship award is important. Why? The more $ you bring in, the more attractive you are to their financial aid office. Need help writing this letter? Hire Quetzal Mama!

4. Take Care of Business. Don’t become so preoccupied with the chance of getting admitted to your waitlisted campus that you lose track of other viable offers waiting for you. During this critical time before the May 1 SIR (Statement of Intent to Register), you’ll need to carefully analyze all financial aid offers. Then, you’ll need to submit your deposit to the campus you’ll likely attend.

5. Be Ready! Most wait-list offers will be made after May 1. That means, you’ll need to be mentally prepared to make a quick decision (typically in 24 hours) whether you’ll take their offer or keep the best offer in hand (from the school you made your deposit). In preparation for this call, find out if there is a local financial aid resource (AVID teacher, counselor, etc.) you can go to and quickly conduct a quick side-by-side comparison of the offer to the school you already SIR’d.

Lastly, put yourself in the shoes of other students waiting for their wait list status to change. If you know for certain you won’t be accepting an offer(s) from other campuses, then decline those other offers so spots can be opened up for other waitlisted students.

If you’d like coaching to craft an exceptional Wait List letter to the Admissions folks, contact Quetzal Mama! We do these letters and have a high track record of admits.

Good luck! —Quetzal Mama