Is waitlisted worse than rejected?

The meaning of waitlisted is pretty simple: you haven't been offered acceptance, nor have you been rejected. You are currently being held on a waitlist and might eventually be accepted if a spot opens up. Schools use the waiting list to deal with the uncertainty of the admissions process.

Is it better to be waitlisted or rejected?

Getting on a waitlist is not a rejection — waitlisted students still have a shot at earning admission to the school. College waitlist statistics from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) show that 43% of postsecondary institutions used a waitlist during the 2018-19 school year.

How bad is being waitlisted?

Being waitlisted means you were good enough that they insisted on giving your application a second look, so being waitlisted is less like being put on hold and more like being asked out on a second date. You've piqued their interest, but they're not exactly ready to commit yet.

How likely is it to get accepted after being waitlisted?

How likely is it to get accepted from the waitlist? Colleges admit about 20% of students who choose to remain on waitlists, according to a 2019 report by the National Association for College Admission Counseling. Keep in mind that these numbers will vary based on the college waitlisting you.

Are my chances good when on a waitlist?

While many colleges will waitlist hundreds or even thousands of students, not all of those students will accept a spot on the waitlist, making the pool and the chances of getting in slightly better in some cases. According to NACAC, 20% of all students who chose to remain on waitlists were ultimately admitted.

PHD REJECTION // PHD WAITLISTED // WHAT IS BEING WAITLISTED!? // DEALING WITH PHD REJECTION

Is a waitlist a soft rejection?

As decisions keep rolling out, I know you might have some questions. First, a note: I know getting that waitlist decision can be painful. It is, in lots of ways, a soft rejection and that's by far the healthiest way to look at it, but that's also what makes it sting even more.

Is waitlist basically a rejection?

Being waitlisted means you still have a chance if they don't see anyone they like better in the regular admissions cycle. It is better than being rejected, but don't count on getting in. This is when you need to expand your college options and consider other schools.

What not to do when waitlisted?

Waitlisted students can accept or reject the offer presented by the college. However, don't take up a spot on the list if you're not planning on attending the school anymore. You'd be taking the spot away from another student who may be more interested.

Why did I get waitlisted instead of accepted?

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. Universities offer some applicants spots on the waitlist during the regular decision round of admission.

How can I increase my chances of getting off the waitlist?

Do colleges tell you why they rejected you?

While colleges are not likely to share their specific reasons for rejecting an application, colleges do tell you if they rejected you. For students wondering what to do if you get rejected from all colleges, you may want to consider taking a gap year and reapplying next year.

Can colleges change their mind after rejecting you?

While it's extremely rare for a college to overturn its decision, you may recommend that rejected students write a letter of appeal explaining why they deserve to be reconsidered. This action will give students the peace of mind of knowing that they have done everything possible to make a strong case.

Can a college accept you after being denied?

It's possible to reapply to a college after getting rejected, but that doesn't mean you should do it. Why not? To start, the odds of getting accepted your second time around are pretty low.

What should you do if you are waitlisted?

How long should a waitlist letter be?

A Waitlist Appeal Letter should be between 500-650 words (the length of a Personal Statement) and include the following: Specific after specific of how a student is going to contribute their singular hook to an institution through the school's programs, institutes, activities, culture, traditions, etc.

What questions to ask when you are waitlisted?

How many applicants have you admitted from the waitlist in recent years? Do you think this year will be similar? Can I submit additional application materials or test scores? What is the deadline for additional submissions?

How likely is it to get off the Harvard waitlist?

Some years, Harvard accepts zero people off of their waitlist. They say that in other years they've accepted hundreds, but we think that is pretty misleading. Most years, only a few people are chosen from the hundreds asking to be reconsidered for a spot.

Do colleges call you about waitlist?

Often colleges will call you about a waitlist offer before they email you or text you, so they need to be able to reach you. You don't have to answer in the middle of your English Lit or Calc class, but you do want them to be able to leave a voicemail.

Do waitlist decisions come in waves?

Acceptances from the waitlist frequently come in waves, perhaps even just before the start of the school year. Understandably, not every applicant on the waiting list will be accepted. In fact, some universities might admit just a few students or even none at all in one year!

What does waitlisted 0 mean?

The result produces a Registration Add Error: Example: “Closed - -0 Waitlisted” (meaning that the course is full, and there are no students on the waitlist) or “Open – Reserved for Wait List” (meaning that there is an open seat but it is reserved for a waitlisted student who is at the top of the wait list).

Can I ask colleges why I was rejected?

You can ask, but you cannot expect an honest answer. Well, I don't mean they will lie to you - no - but the admissions officers won't tell you the particular reason for rejection.

Is it bad to reapply to a college?

Experts say students should decide if reapplying to a school is worth it, especially if the school they ended up attending is working out. Transferring can affect a student's academic timeline and financial aid, as credits and scholarships might not transfer with them.

Can you apply to the same college twice after being rejected?

In most cases, yes! You can usually reapply to a college after being rejected. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, so you will want to ask the admissions office about their procedures for reapplying before potentially wasting your time on another application.

What happens if you accept admission to two colleges?

Breaking the Contract Can Hurt Your Admission

We're hoping this explanation helps you understand that when you accept admission to multiple colleges and universities you are not only breaking a contract, you are also negatively impacting the schools, fellow students, and possibly yourself.

What do I do if every college rejects me?

Consider applying to colleges with rolling admissions, taking a gap year, or attending community college. If you are still dwelling on your rejection, try to stop. Letting go of the colleges to which you were not admitted may help you evaluate your acceptances or other options on their own merits.