Were you waitlisted?

If you're a senior and got into your first choice university, congratulations! Many of our students have been accepted to their top choice colleges, and we'll be sharing their testimonials soon. But as top college admissions becomes more and more competitive each year, we're noticing a rise in the number of waitlisted students. If you were waitlisted at a college, know that you’re not alone—and you still have options.

Being placed on a waitlist is not a rejection; it means the admissions committee saw strong potential in your application but doesn’t yet have the space to offer you a spot. Many colleges use waitlists strategically, and each year, students are ultimately admitted from them. While the uncertainty can feel frustrating and stressful, it also means you still have a real opportunity.

In the meantime, it’s important to stay proactive. One of the best steps you can take is to submit a strong letter of continued interest (LOCI). This letter is your chance to remind the university that you are still very interested in attending if you are admitted from the waitlist, and to update them on anything new and positive since you first applied. A thoughtful, focused LOCI can help you stand out in a crowded pool of waitlisted applicants.

When you write your LOCI, start by being clear and direct. In your opening sentence, restate that the school remains your top choice and that you would attend if admitted off the waitlist. This helps the admissions office immediately understand your intent and level of commitment. From there, you can move into sharing relevant updates.

Add two or three meaningful updates that genuinely strengthen your application. This might include improved grades, new awards or honors, leadership roles you’ve taken on, a recent project you’re proud of, or work and volunteer experiences that reflect your growth. Focus on quality, not quantity—short, specific examples are much more powerful than a long list of minor activities. Every update should help admissions see how you’ve continued to grow since you submitted your original application.

You’ll also want to show specific, genuine fit with the college. Go beyond generic statements like “this is my dream school.” Instead, mention a few concrete reasons you’re excited about that particular campus—such as a program, course, professor, research opportunity, club, or community initiative—and briefly explain how you see yourself contributing. The more your letter could only be written about that one school, the better.

Tone matters, too. Keep your LOCI grateful, positive, and professional. Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application and for keeping you on the waitlist. Avoid sounding entitled or demanding; instead, show maturity, resilience, and enthusiasm. Aim for around three to five short paragraphs, and proofread carefully for clarity, grammar, and spelling. Your goal is a polished, concise letter where every sentence adds something new and meaningful that wasn’t already clear from your original application.

At the same time, it’s wise to secure a spot at another college by the national enrollment deadline. Putting down a deposit elsewhere ensures you have a great place to land, no matter what happens with your waitlist schools. Knowing you have a solid plan can take some pressure off while you wait for updates, and remember: your success is not defined by the name of any one college.

Hang in there, stay strong, and let us know if we can help. If you’d like guidance on brainstorming, drafting, or polishing your letter of continued interest, we’re happy to work with you. We can help you decide what to include, how to frame your updates, and how to highlight your fit for each school so that you’re putting your best possible LOCI forward.