Don’t Let the Waitlist Be Your Endgame
Decision day arrives, and you anxiously open your decision letter, only to find a frustrating result—you’ve been waitlisted. While being placed on a waitlist may feel like an acceptance is hopeless, the contrary is often true, and there’s no need to assume the waitlist is the end of the story. You can instead take action. A waitlisted student can significantly increase their chances of recognition within the admissions office in these three simple steps.
Tip #1:
Your first step involves some research.
Make sure to check your college’s waitlist acceptance protocol before you do anything else. Before sending any supplementary material, you will want to know these facts; if a school doesn’t want added communication, DO NOT send anything else. Doing so may cause more harm than good.
Letters of Continued Interest (LOCI)
Does your college accept letters of continued interest (LOCI), additional letters of recommendation, or updated test scores? If so, check in with your college counselor to discuss strategies for moving forward.
Tip #2:
Keep in touch!
If you haven’t already contacted your school’s local representative, you will want to do so now.
Your local rep will likely review any added materials you send in and might even vouch for you in the admissions process if you make a noteworthy impression. Keeping your rep updated with recent (but important) achievements and continued interest will distinguish you from other competitive applicants in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask your representative what you can do to further communicate your commitment to attending their institution. That said, do not overburden your rep with several calls and emails—one or two brief check-ins will suffice.
Please Note: The following tip #3 applies only to schools whose waitlist specifies acceptance of added materials.
Tip #3:
As the third and final step, you will want to write a LOCI.
Should your college accept LOCI’s, crafting a persuasive and personalized argument may hold the power to transform your application from a ‘maybe’ to a definitive acceptance. While every college has unique standards in what they look for in a waitlist letter, the following template is a basic format that we highly recommend you follow.
Include Your Thanks, Your Commitment, Your Place in The University, Your Recent Achievements In Your LOCI.
Now Let’s Break Down What You’ll Write.
Begin with Your Thanks
Start by thanking the institution for their continued consideration of your application and acknowledge the thoughtful nature of the admissions committee’s process.
Next, State Your Commitment
Once you’ve delivered a brief appreciation, you will want to explicitly state your commitment to attending the university. If you will absolutely attend if accepted, you should make that clear—the committee will consider that.
Here’s an example of how you might thank the college and state your commitment, but make sure to write your own and make it personal.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Boston College Admissions Committee for the continued consideration of my application for the class of 2024. I know that the process of carefully constructing a community of thoughtful, passionate, and adventurous individuals is difficult, and I am thankful for the additional chance provided to me by being included on the waitlist…I would like to express how committed I am to attending Boston College. This school remains my top choice, and if I am admitted, I will attend.”
Now, Describe Your Place. How do you envision your place in the college you’re waitlisted for?
You’ll want to write about your place in the university’s population, educational programs, and more.
Be as specific as possible.
- What do you have to bring to the table that melds with the current study body?
- Mention particular student organizations and campus traditions—your LOCI reader will know you’ve done your research and that you are committed to being a member of their vibrant community.
- What did you see in current students (on your campus tour) that you identified with or inspired you?
- What clubs will you be involved in?
- What traditions excite you, and how will that excitement embody your college experience?
Here’s an example of how you might describe your place in the university community. Again, use your personal touch and be genuine.
“There are several reasons why Boston College is the right fit for me: the vibrant, challenging academic community, the incredible professional, intellectual, and service-based opportunities, the prevalent sense of camaraderie and tradition, the many student organizations like…”
“When I toured last spring, I was welcomed by all these aspects—and in picturing myself on campus, I felt belonging and excitement.”
And Now Here’s Your Chance to Mention Your Recent Achievements
Make brief mention of recent achievements and notable work. While it’s important to keep the committee informed on your latest undertakings, let this section be no longer than any other.
Your application will send a more holistic picture of your academic achievements, and this is not a place to restate everything in your submitted application.
Choose one or two things you’re excited or proud about and communicate that briefly.
Here are a couple of examples of how you might describe recent achievements.
“By taking part in weekly meetings with my school’s administration, student council, and senior class, I’ve helped to organize less stressful class schedules, new opportunities to connect across grades, and created a “Giving Back” campaign…”
“Since joining my Entrepreneurship & Innovation class in the second semester, I recently pitched a marketing strategy campaign to our first business partner, Hitch, a sustainable water bottle company. After my presentation, I was the only student asked by the owners to be a consultant for their company.”
We’re almost there, but not quite done yet. There’s another opportunity to move from the waitlist to college admittance.
Inform the committee on how you plan to take advantage of the opportunities present on campus.
- Make mention of specific classes you’re excited to take with particular professors in your program.
- Talk about the intellectual and professional resources you can’t wait to experience.
- Acknowledge what you’ll take part in both in and outside of the classroom as an academic and fellow community member.
Here’s an example of how you might demonstrate your excitement about taking advantage of the opportunities on campus.
“At Boston College, I hope to take advantage of the opportunities available in the same way that I have done in high school. In the classroom, you’ll find me actively participating in discussions while seeking to create thoughtful connections between the student body, faculty, and surrounding community.”
Last But Not Least, Reiterate your Appreciation Before You Sign-Off
Lastly, you’ll restate your appreciation of the committee’s continued examination of your application. Sincere gratitude will go a long way here. The goal is to make sure that what you say is heartfelt and reiterates your continued commitment to attending their university.
Here’s a simple and straightforward example of expressing your appreciation.
“There is no place I would rather be than XXXXX,”
