Got Waitlisted? Here’s Exactly What to Do Next.

If you’ve recently opened a college decision letter and read the words "We’re unable to offer you admission at this time, but…" - you’re not alone. For many students, April brings a wave of emotions as final decisions roll out. And for those who’ve been placed on the waitlist, it can feel like one big question mark.

But here’s the truth: a waitlist is not a rejection. It’s not a final decision, it’s a "maybe." And with the right steps, a "maybe" can become a "yes."

At CollegeConsulting.us, we’ve helped countless students navigate the waitlist process with clarity and strategy. As someone who was once in your shoes. and who did turn a waitlist into an acceptance, I want to walk you through exactly what to do now.

First: What Does It Mean to Be Waitlisted?

Colleges waitlist students they would accept if they had the space. With many schools over-enrolling or facing unpredictable yield rates, the waitlist gives them flexibility.

What this means for you: the college already sees you as qualified. But whether or not you get that offer depends on a few factors, including how many admitted students accept their spots, and whether you continue to demonstrate interest and initiative.

Step 1: Accept Your Waitlist Spot

This sounds obvious, but it’s essential. Most schools require you to actively opt in to remain on the waitlist. Log into your applicant portal and confirm your spot. Some schools may also ask for a brief form, response, or updated contact information.

If you don’t take this step, you won’t be considered. So do it now.

Step 2: Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

This is your most powerful tool.

A strong Letter of Continued Interest (often called a LOCI) shows the admissions committee that you’re still serious about the school and have something new to offer since you applied.

In your letter, be sure to:

• Express genuine interest in attending that specific school (and say you would attend if admitted - if true)

• Update them on any recent academic, extracurricular, or personal achievements

• Reaffirm your fit by highlighting how you would contribute to campus life, classes, and community

• Keep it concise - no more than 400–500 words

Think of it as your post-submission "closing statement." Your application already told your story. Now you’re showing them you’re even stronger than you were in December.

Need help writing one? We’ve got examples, templates, and 1:1 support available.

Step 3: Share Meaningful Updates

Beyond your LOCI, some colleges allow you to upload additional materials -like an updated resume, transcript, or new recommendation letter.

If you’ve earned a major award, improved your grades, taken on a new leadership role, completed a project, or launched an initiative - tell them. These developments show momentum and maturity, and admissions officers notice that.

Just make sure the school allows these types of updates (some explicitly do not), and avoid sending fluff. Every communication should add value.

Step 4: Ask If You Can Send an Extra Recommendation

This isn’t required, but for some students, a fresh perspective from a new recommender can reinforce your recent growth. Maybe it’s a coach who saw you lead your team to playoffs, or a teacher who witnessed a transformation in your writing.

Keep it personal, specific, and relevant to your strengths. If a school allows extra letters, one thoughtful one is plenty.

Step 5: Be Strategic and Respectful

Once you’ve submitted your LOCI and any meaningful updates, step back and let the process work. Some schools will give you updates in April or May, others may notify waitlisted students as late as June or even July.

If you receive major new news in a few weeks (say, you win a state competition or your GPA jumps significantly), you can send a brief update. But don’t over-communicate, no weekly emails or calls. Trust that your thoughtful effort has been noted.

For a better, step-by-step, guide of our waitlist recommendations, watch this video!

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When I was a senior, I was waitlisted at Vanderbilt. I’d worked hard on my application, I was proud of it, and I still didn’t get a yes. But instead of letting that be the end of the story, I asked myself: what more do I want them to know?

I wrote a LOCI that dug deep. I shared new academic awards and connected my interests to Vanderbilt’s campus culture and academic opportunities. I ended the letter with a simple but clear statement: if admitted, I would enroll.

A few weeks later, I was offered a spot, and I accepted!! My years at Vanderbilt became some of the most formative of my life. And it wouldn’t have happened without that one final letter and the decision to keep going, even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed.

It’s important to be honest: not all waitlisted students will be accepted. Many colleges fill their classes without turning to the list. That’s why we always recommend you make a deposit at another school you’re excited about, even while pursuing your waitlist option.

The good news? Where you go to college matters, but what you do once you get there matters even more. We’ve seen students fall in love with schools they once considered backups. We’ve also helped students pursue successful transfer applications if, later on, they felt called to revisit their original dream.

Whatever happens next, you have so many paths to success.

Cheering you on,
Melina Kazanas

P.S. - Have a high-performing high schooler w/ a 3.7 GPA or higher? We'll help get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges...and if we don't get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges, you don't pay us a penny.  Seriously.  College admissions isn't rocket science...but it is a science.  And we've cracked the code...year, after year, after year.  You can learn more about our world renowned all-inclusive, start-to-finish college coaching here and to see if your family qualifies for an introductory call.

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