How to Get Off a College Waitlist in 2022 

What are College Waitlists? - Colleges have a limited number of seats each year given physical space requirements or to maintain faculty-to-student ratios, so some students are put on a waitlist in case enrollment spots open up. 

Accept a Spot on the Waitlist -  Wait-listed applicants can typically either accept or reject a waitlist offer. Those considering accepting – which is required for further consideration. 

Express Interest Again in the School -  Experts say wait-listed applicants should contact the admissions office, perhaps via email, to demonstrate continued interest even if the school doesn't require additional follow-up. 

Submit a Deposit to Another University -  Even if an applicant is wait-listed from their No. 1 choice, it's wise to submit a deposit – generally a few hundred dollars – to enroll at another university before the traditional May 1 deadline, admissions experts say. 

Manage Expectations in the Admissions Process - Students should focus on what they can control, experts, say, rather than obsess about long-shot odds of getting off the waitlist. 

Continue to Focus on High School Academics -  While it's important to stay on top of deadlines before attending college in the fall, high school academics should still be a priority, experts advise. 

Be Ready to Make a Decision if Admitted -  The timeline for being admitted off the waitlist varies, but many schools try to let applicants know before June 30, experts say. If that admissions offer does come, the prospective student should be prepared to act fast. 

Inform the School Where You Submitted a Deposit -  Applicants applicants who do accept should notify the school where they submitted a deposit to alert officials they won't be attending, according to experts. 

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