What Are My Chances of Getting Accepted to a University Off a Waitlist?

Written By Stephanie Santos

Every April, thousands of high school students find themselves in college admissions limbo: the waitlist. If you’ve received a waitlist decision from a university, you might be wondering: What are my chances of getting accepted? Should I hold out for my dream school, or assume I’ve been rejected?  What are my chances of ultimately getting accepted? While there’s no guaranteed formula, understanding how waitlists work and what you can do to improve your odds can help you navigate this uncertain period.

If what you’re really looking for is a list of college waitlist acceptance rates, scroll down to see the most recent data we have from the Common Data Sets that schools released. 

How do waitlists work?

Think of a waitlist as a backup plan for colleges. Universities accept more students than they have spots for because they expect that some students will choose to attend other schools. However, if fewer students enroll than expected, colleges turn to their waitlist to fill the remaining seats. This means that your chances of getting off the waitlist depend on how many accepted students decline their offers. Think of it like when you’re trying to get Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets—if enough people who had access to the Verified Fan Onsale decide not to buy a ticket, someone from the waitlist (aka you) gets a shot at the spot. Or imagine your favorite limited-edition sneakers drop, and you’re stuck on the waitlist. If enough people forget to check out in time, you might just snag a pair at the last second.

Are waitlists first come, first serve?

Would that it were so simple. However, the waitlist is not necessarily first come first serve. Colleges usually consider a mix of factors when deciding whom to admit from the waitlist, including their institutional needs, yield rates, and sometimes even a ranked order of waitlisted students. Some schools prioritize students who demonstrate continued interest, such as sending a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) or updating their application with new achievements. Others may admit students based on specific criteria they need to fill, like geographic diversity or intended major. Think of it like a team draft rather than a queue at a theme park—colleges select students strategically rather than just going down a list in order of when they joined.

Quick Note: Yield rates are the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll. Colleges use past data and enrollment trends to predict how many students will accept their offers. If more students than expected enroll, fewer (or none) will be admitted off the waitlist. If fewer students commit, colleges turn to the waitlist to fill spots. Schools with unpredictable yield rates often rely on their waitlist more heavily. Schools want to maintain a high yield rate because it makes them look good—it means a lot of students chose their institution over any other college that accepted them. 

Okay… but will I get into the school where I’m waitlisted?

There’s really no guaranteed way to know, but if you’re serious about getting off the waitlist, here are some steps you can take:

  1. Accept Your Spot on the Waitlist – Follow the school’s instructions to confirm your interest. If you don’t opt in, you won’t be considered.

  2. Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) – Send a letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the school, provides any relevant updates (new awards, improved grades, additional leadership roles), and reaffirms why you’re a great fit. Check out our guide on LOCIs if you need help with this!

  3. Secure Strong Recommendations – If the school allows it, an additional recommendation letter can reinforce your candidacy. For example, maybe an older student you know currently attends the school. You could see if they are willing to advocate for your acceptance. 

  4. Keep Up Your Academics – Colleges may review your final grades before making a decision, so don’t let senioritis kick in!

  5. Have a Backup Plan – While you wait, commit to another school you’d be happy attending. If you do get off the waitlist, you can decide whether to switch.

Final Thoughts

Being waitlisted isn’t a straight-up rejection, but it’s also not a golden ticket—more like a "maybe" text from a friend who probably won’t show up. If the school is your dream choice, put in the effort to demonstrate your interest. However, don’t put your life on hold—embrace your other options and get excited about your future, wherever you end up. No matter what, you’ll find success wherever you go!

Waitlist Acceptance Rates

Note: These acceptance rates reflect information from the most recently reported Common Data Sets as of March 27, 2025. 

Stephanie Santos
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