When applications for competitive college admission are reviewed, they're considered in several contexts: 1) Does the applicant evidence the academic preparation and intellectual capacity to be successful at this school? 2) Has the applicant taken the most competitive courses available, especially in areas related to their major? 3) What makes this applicant unique? (Why the application essay is so important.) 4) How does the applicant compare to others from their HS? 5) Would the applicant benefit the school? For example, if the biomedical engineering department has declined in female-identifying, out of state students, than an academically qualified female-identifying BME applicant from another state is one to admit. This could be true for a French horn player, a soccer goalie, etc. 6) Sometimes an applicant is an "easy" admit. They're academically strong; (coursework rigor, grades, ACT/SAT scores) they're active in things like athletics, the arts, volunteering, working, etc.; their letters of rec are strong; and their application essay made their admission officer fall in love. Even these applicants won't be admitted if their intended major/overall enrollment is capped. So reason #1 for being placed on the waitlist is that an application was reviewed at a time when enrollment was capped. Reason #2 for being placed on the waitlist is that an application was not as strong as others. The applicant is qualified, but the school can't admit every qualified applicant. What should a waitlisted student do? What should they NOT do? DO reply about whether you wish to remain on the waitlist. DON'T panic. You've applied to other excellent matches. Choose one, send an enrollment deposit by May 1st, & decline offers from other schools. DO try to accept that it's unlikely you will attend any school where you are waitlisted. DON’T call the school and ask “where” you are on their waitlist. Students are coded in the database by their current status - like Inquiry, Applicant, Admitted, Enrolled, Waitlisted. When an applicant is labeled as being “Waitlisted”, a query can be run like, “How many chemistry majors are currently on the waitlist?” to receive all the waitlisted chemistry students and their data points like gender, state, GPA, test scores, etc. After the May 1st deadline, (which may change due to FAFSA delays - check your schools!) schools with waitlists will review their enrollment goals. If there are gaps and they can admit more students, they'll use their waitlist to fill them strategically. They won't say, “Oh good, now we can admit Kimberly with the great essay!” but rather, “Oh good, we have enough in-state male nursing applicants to potentially meet our goal!” I say “potentially” because waitlisted applicants offered admission may decline the offer. I hope this was helpful! If you have a child in HS who could use assistance applying to college, please schedule a free consult. I’m happy to answer your questions.
