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Why Do Colleges Use Waitlists?
What Should I Do If I'm Waitlisted?
LOCI Example
The waitlist can be a source of both hope and confusion. You're not rejected outright, but you also don't have a guaranteed spot. Having helped hundreds of students navigate the complexities of college admissions, let's break down the waitlist, why it exists, and how to give yourself the best possible chance of getting in.
Tips for Dealing with Rejections and Waitlists with Jamie Beaton
The waitlist can be a strange place but don't despair. While there are no guarantees, there are actions you can take to maximize your chances while also protecting your options. Here's your roadmap:
First, decide whether to even stay on the waitlist. If you're absolutely sure this college is no longer a good fit, decline the waitlist spot immediately. This decision is permanent. If there's any chance you'd attend if admitted, accept your place on the waitlist. Follow the college's instructions, as there might be specific forms or communication required, and be mindful of deadlines.
This isn't just about restating your interest; it's about showing your growth and demonstrating why you're an even stronger fit for the college. Remember to:
Waitlists are unpredictable, so it's essential to protect your future by choosing a different college you love and paying the deposit by the May 1st deadline. This secures your spot and provides peace of mind, even if the waitlist eventually works out. Also, consider alternative paths if the waitlist doesn't pan out:
I understand that waiting creates stress, but try to focus on finishing your senior year strong and enjoying the school you've committed to. The waitlist process can take time, so stay patient (and don't forget to keep demonstrating interest in your desired college).
Important Note: If you get admitted off the waitlist, you'll likely forfeit the deposit at your Plan B school.
Dear Stanford Admissions,
Since graduating, I’ve focused on self-exploration, seeking to deepen core interests but also forage in new areas.
I have a new fascination with extreme sport. I confess, much to the sadness of the critics on Rotten Tomato, that I was triggered by the action movie xXx, featuring Vin Diesel. The airborne scenes in xXx made me realize that I’ve literally never felt an airborne sensation except flying so I changed that! On January 14th, I bungy jumped at the Nevis bungy in Queenstown, New Zealand, which has a record-breaking 134m drop. The only thing worse than wind howling against your body overlooking a gaping canyon is realizing you have to jump into it! Paradoxically, I loved it. I was falling so fast in fact that if I were to equate KE with GPE, estimating the equilibrium position of the rope at half the height, I would have flown at an astounding 130km/h!
I also enrolled in a rock climbing gym called “Climb Fit”. Funnily enough, I predominantly climb with Physic Club mates. We aren’t the usual climbers with our constant physics jokes but we are a community. I can’t wait to further my climbing at the Stanford Climbing Wall which seems to have the most Yelp reviews of any climbing wall I’ve ever seen!
My fascination with artificial intelligence has grown since the victory of AlphaGo as I plot Australia wide expansion of MCQuizzKnox and our Android rollout. As I read about growth hacks to amplify app downloads, I was surprised to find how many companies pay Facebook heavily to drive app downloads. I discovered how intensively Facebook’s advertising platform uses data science and machine learning. I’d love to understand how these kind of algorithms work theoretically but also be able to think through applications into new businesses. As I continue to broaden my understanding of data science, I come across more and more Stanford inspired coursework with innovative partners like Coursera and practical Data Science Master’s degrees. While I’ve only started with Statistical Reasoning on Stanford’s online platform, I get excited about developing these interests as a Stanford student alongside challenging peers. The number of Stanford recruits getting hired in high stakes positions at Facebook and Snapchat is electrifying.
I’ve also been running HSC seminars on Maths and Physics at Knox. Last year, I found these seminars helpful but there was a real need to improve them for the next wave of the Knox “Tartan” army.
While I care about Knox, the challenges students face are more profound in China. My sister and I started an organization called LEAFA (Learning and Education Available For All). In December, we collected 1500 books from Knox families, Aussie libraries and garage sales (bargain hunting the 50 cent copies) to be shipped to my mum’s rural middle school called Jinshan ZhongXue. We hope our humble start will be a powerful tool for educational empowerment in this community.
I’ve taken concrete action to fight against air pollution in China by volunteering as a photographer for The Nature Conservancy. While statistics are crucial, vivid images, which translates the toxic environment many Chinese citizens struggle with everyday, are powerful tools in soliciting donations in the West.
Stanford has inspired environmental conservationists like Professor Gretchen Daily to practical design-centred engineering masterminds like Evan Spiegel. I am thrilled by the university’s interest in my candidacy and I hope to develop my sprawling passions within a community of gifted quantitative minds, social entrepreneurs and changemakers.
Yours Sincerely,
Navigating the waitlist requires careful strategy and a proactive approach. Remember, while getting off the waitlist isn't guaranteed, taking the steps outlined above significantly improves your chances. By crafting a powerful LOCI, staying positive, protecting your options with a Plan B, and continuing to demonstrate your interest, you position yourself as a strong candidate should a spot open up.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to approach your specific waitlist situation, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. The experts at Crimson Education can help you develop a personalized strategy, tailor your LOCI, and navigate every step of this process to maximize your chances of admission. Book a consultation today to get started and take control of your college journey.