After months of preparing your application, crafting your personal statement, gathering recommendation letters, and waiting anxiously, the email arrives. You imagined the joy of an acceptance letter or braced yourself for the disappointment of a rejection. Instead, you find yourself waitlisted, neither here nor there.
You’re not celebrating, but you’re not grieving either. You’ve been told, in essence, “You’re great… but not quite yet.” And that’s a difficult place to be, especially after months of hard work, high hopes, and endless refreshes of your email inbox.
But here’s the truth: being waitlisted is not a rejection. It’s a sign that your application made an impact. The admissions committee saw potential in you; they just didn’t have room at the moment to offer a definitive “yes.” And while it may feel like you’re stuck, there are actually quite a few things you can do to move forward, stay prepared, and even improve your chances.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know if you’ve been waitlisted by a university, from the practical steps to the emotional mindset. Whether you’re still holding out hope for your top choice or already exploring other great options, the goal is simple: to help you feel confident and in control of your next steps.
7 Things to Do If a University Waitlists You
• First, Breathe
Getting waitlisted can bring a wave of emotions: disappointment, confusion, and even frustration. You might wonder what you did wrong or what you could have done differently. These feelings are completely valid.
Take a moment to acknowledge how you feel. This news may not be what you expected, but it doesn’t mean your efforts were in vain. And it certainly doesn’t diminish your worth, your qualifications, or your future potential.
• Understand What Being Waitlisted Means
Before you jump into action, know what you’re dealing with. When a school waitlists you, it means they think you’re qualified, but they just don’t have enough spots yet.
Admissions is a numbers game, and the waitlist gives schools flexibility in managing enrollment. Some schools rank their waitlists, meaning they’ll move down the list as spots open. Others don’t rank at all. Find out what your chosen university does; check their website, or email the admissions office for clarity.
• Confirm Your Interest
Most universities will ask whether you would like to remain on the waitlist. This is your chance to demonstrate continued interest. If the school remains a top choice, make sure to formally accept your position on the waitlist, usually by submitting a form or responding via your application portal.
If you’re no longer interested, it’s perfectly acceptable to decline, which also helps the admissions team manage their list more effectively.
• Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
This is a brief but strategic message where you reaffirm your genuine desire to attend the university, share any recent accomplishments, such as improved grades, awards, leadership roles, or standout projects, and express your enthusiasm in a sincere and professional tone.
A good LOCI can remind the admissions team why you’re a strong fit without sounding overly eager or desperate.
• Secure Your Backup Plan
One of the hardest but most important steps is to move forward with the best offer you have, not the one you hope for. Many students get so fixated on one dream school that they forget to commit to another.
Securing a backup plan doesn’t mean you’ve given up, it means you’re being realistic and responsible. Should a spot open up on the waitlist later, you’ll still have the option to make the switch.
• Stay Professional and Respectful in All Communication
While it’s important to show interest, avoid over-contacting the admissions office or attempting to influence their decision through unofficial channels. Admissions teams value professionalism, maturity, and respect for the process.
• Keep Believing in Yourself
It’s perfectly natural to continue hoping for a spot to open up. But it’s also wise to start emotionally investing in the university you’ve committed to. Every institution offers opportunities for academic growth, meaningful experiences, and personal development.
Remember, what matters most is how you take advantage of the opportunities available. If you’re ultimately not admitted from the waitlist, allow yourself to be disappointed, but don’t stay long in that space. You’ve got a future full of potential ahead of you.
