You've Been Waitlisted

Sending those college applications to your top choices can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. When you finally get a response in the mail, you're so excited you can barely open the envelope! But unfortunately, it's not an acceptance letter, it's a waitlist letter. Wait. Waitlist letter?

What is that?

Colleges and universities realize that not every student they send acceptance letters to will choose to attend. These colleges and universities need to meet their enrollment goal in order to reach their financial one, which is where waitlist letters come in handy; they are sent to prospective students as a way to ensure every spot in the incoming class is filled.

The letter could go a little something like:

Dear Student, Thank you for your interest in AB University. While we were impressed by your credentials, we are unable to offer you admission at this time. However, we would like to offer you a spot on our waitlist with hope that we can find a place for you in this year's class. Please respond by XX date if you are interested in placement on our waitlist.

Sincerely, AB University

True, a waitlist offer isn't exactly a rejection, but being a backup plan isn't exactly what you expected either. If it's not an acceptance letter, it might as well be junk mail. But let's think things through.

Before any decisions can be made, there is one question you should be able to answer: What made you apply to this particular university in the first place? If your reasons are adequate, definitely respond and let them know that even though you're disappointed about not being accepted, you accept the waitlist offer.

However, by accepting, you should know the reality of getting into that university is fewer than 30 percent, according to a survey of admissions officers. With that being said, you should really take a good look at the schools that accepted you right off the bat. And if you didn't apply to any other school, there's access to free information on thousands of online and on-campus degree programs available with a click of a button.

But if all else fails, take a year off to become more independent, travel or prepare for college. Whatever you decide to do, don't think you're on an extended vacation. Whether you find a job, volunteer, or take courses at your local community college so you can stay on top of your education, the people in admissions want to see that you have done something worthwhile.

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