Waitlisted? What Next?

Published April 09, 2008
You applied to several schools. But your first choice didn't accept you. It waitlisted you. What exactly does this mean? And why do schools do waitlist applicants?
     
       
Let's start with the last question first. Schools typically offer places to more applicants than they have places for, on the theory and experience that they will have enough acceptances to fill their empty seats. In the event that they have fewer acceptances than they expected, the waitlisted candidates are offered whatever places are available.

So, if your first choice school waitlists you, what do you do? You should accept a place at one of the schools which has accepted you. Don't give it another thought. After all, you have already determined that all the schools you applied to were great 'fits'. That's all that matters. Besides, you can content yourself with the fact that your first choice thought highly enough of you that it waitlisted you.
 
Isn't there anything you can do? Should you call the admissions office and bug them? While it never hurts to express your interest in the school and remaining on its waitlist, it is never a good idea to pester the admissions staff. The "Don't call us. We'll call you." policy applies.
 
If you send in a deposit and accept a place at one of the schools which has offered you a place, you will forfeit your deposit if the waitlisting schools finally offers you a place and you accept it.
 
Resources

What To Do When You Are Waitlisted
  

Read Related Admissions Articles:

We cover every aspect of the admissions process so that you and your child know what to expect.

  • Guidelines for International Students
    In addition to complying with all the usual admissions requirements, international students must also obtain a student visa.
  • How Do I Apply?
    You can apply online or submit a paper application via snail mail.
  • They Didn't Accept My Child!
    You thought everything was set. The test scores were excellent. She had glowing teacher recommendations. The visit and the interview went well. But the school didn't accept your child. What do you do now?
  • Application Calendar
    Keep track of all aspects of choosing a school as well as the application deadlines.
  • The Scramble For Places In Primary Schools
    It is almost as tough getting your child into a good Manhattan or Bay area primary school as it is getting them into an Ivy League university.
  • What If I Miss The Deadlines?
    Finding a school which will accept your child after the normal admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done.

School Visits

After exploring schools on the web, you need to explore the ones which you are considering applying to in person.

  • 5 Tips for a Successful Admissions Interview
    When you meet with the admissions staff, create a favorable impression by following these tips.
  • Your Admissions Profile
    The admissions process can seem confusing, even intimidating. In reality all the admissions staff want to do is to get to know you.
  • The Interview
    Part of the admissions requirements of almost every private school is the interview. While it sounds as though this is a one sided exercise, you should be interviewing the admissions personnel as well.
  • The Visit
    Visiting the schools on your short list is very important. You need to inspect the campus yourself.
  • What If You Cannot Visit The School?
    Distance and finances may preclude your actually visiting schools. But you have some other options.

Test Preparation

Standardized admissions tests require thorough preparation and practice. You will find test prep texts and other materials here.

  • Admissions Test Preparation: 2 Approaches
    Admissions tests are supposed to measure accomplishments. But what if your child has serious problems in math or English? What do you do then?
  • COOP, HSPT and TACHS
    You will encounter COOP, HSPT and TACHS if you are applying to some Roman Catholic high schools.
  • Do My SSAT or ISEE Scores Really Matter?
    SSAT and ISEE scores are one part of the total picture which most private school admissions staff review.
  • Preparing for TOEFL
    Applicants to American private schools for whom English is not their first language must take a test known as TOEFL.
  • SSAT and ISSE
    Most private schools use standardized tests as part of their admissions process. The SSAT and ISEE are the common tests you will encounter at independent schools.
  • How To Read The Test Scores
    SSAT test scores can be mysterious to most parents. What do they mean? How does the admissions staff use them?
  • Preparing for Admissions Tests
    Don't leave admissions test preparation to the last minute. Adequate test preparation will give you the confidence to take the test and do as well as you can.
  • Should You Prep Your 4 Year Old?
    To prep for the preschool admissions test or not to prep. That is the question.
  • The Writing Sample
    At some point in the admissions' process, you are going to have to write an essay sometimes referred to as The Writing Sample.

Applications

The applications process consists of several parts.

All Categories:

Featured Partners:

Featured Partner