It’s not a no. But it’s not a yes. So now what?
Let’s be real: when you hit “submit” on your application, you’re thinking YES or NO. That’s it. But then… BAM. You get the dreaded third option—waitlisted. Cue confusion, frustration, and a whole lot of “what now?”
Let’s clear it up.
What does it even mean to be waitlisted?
It means you’re still in the game.
Colleges use the waitlist to fill spots if admitted students say no. It’s not personal, it’s logistics—based on something called the yield rate (a fancy term for how many admitted students actually enroll). The lower the yield, the more likely you are to move off the waitlist.
OK, so what happens now?
Do you want to stay on the waitlist or not?
If yes, buckle up. You probably won’t hear anything until late spring or summer. (We know. Torture.) Whether you get off the list depends on:
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How many accepted students turn them down
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What the school still “needs” (hello, geography, major, legacy status)
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How much you SHOW you still want in
🔑 What can you actually do?
1. Accept your spot — Follow the directions. Do it ASAP.
2. Send a LOCI (Letter of Continued Interest) — Show them you still want it and why you’re a great fit. Keep it authentic, specific, and upbeat.
3. Update your app — Got new grades? Awards? Leadership roles? Tell them.
4. Lock in a backup — Don’t leave yourself hanging. Put down a deposit somewhere else you’d be happy to attend. It’s not giving up—it’s being smart.
“Getting into college in 2025 requires more than strong grades or test scores—it demands strategy and resilience,” says College Sharks founder Lee Norwood, quoted in Forbes. “A waitlist isn’t the end. It’s just one curveball in a long game. Stay in it. Stay sharp. Stay hopeful.”
Final Truth from the Sharks:
You’re not rejected. You’re waitlisted. That means there’s still a shot—and we’re here to help you take it.
Need help with your LOCI? Want to make a game plan?
Head over to www.annapoliscollegeconsulting.com or www.CollegeSharks.com or follow us on IG @CollegeSharks
www.Facebook.com/annapoliscollegeconsulting
Don’t let a waitlist mess with your mindset. We’ve got your back.