So You’ve Been Waitlisted — Now What?
A quick guide to navigating the waitlist process when applying to schools
Two years ago, I applied to ten law schools.
I didn’t know how I would fare in the admissions cycle, but once I committed myself to studying law, I sent off my applications.
Long story short, I gained admission to two schools, was rejected by one school, and was waitlisted at seven schools.
The first waitlist response from my dream school was the toughest. I still vividly remember receiving that email in the evening expecting the news I had been waiting to see. Instead, I found out I was on the waitlist. I went to bed that night distraught, trying to be positive, but stuck on what I felt was bad news.
I finally closed my eyes to sleep and the next morning reality dawned on me. I realized, “Well, at least they didn’t say no.”
By the fourth, fifth, and sixth waitlist letters, I accepted my position, kept a positive outlook, and went back to the drawing board.
Admission processes can be so stressful for applicants. Furthermore, ending up on a waitlist for a school you want to attend, unsure of what will happen can be unsettling. In my case, receiving seven such letters within a few weeks was truly a learning opportunity for me that I quickly embraced.
Here’s what I learned during the process:
1. Waitlist does not mean no.
Seriously. It doesn’t.
Schools give out rejection letters all the time. It is part of the process. To be honest, part of the admissions process is arbitrary (sorry friends who work in admissions!). When people hear about the one school that outright rejected me, they raise their eyebrows in disbelief. It happens though. I mention this as a reminder that if you find yourself on a waitlist, it means you are a competitive applicant.
You are still in the game!
2. Consult the crew.
Even though you are still in the game, a waitlist letter can feel really disappointing …and awkward.
Do not be afraid to reach out to people around you for support. Talking to close friends and family who understand your feelings and your goals can be so comforting and encouraging during those moments. Touch base with your mentors because they are invested in your success and want to stay in the loop.
More specifically, they can add a wider perspective and help you think through your options as you think about how to proceed.
3. Strategize and plan!
One of the toughest parts about being on a waitlist can be the uncertainty. Will they say yes — or no?
Well, take the uncertainty head on and own it! Have plans and backup plans for both scenarios.
Think about ways you can spend the next year making your resume even stronger and boosting your application for the following admissions cycle. Maybe you retake the LSAT/GRE for a higher score or add even more purposeful experiences to your resume.
Is there a reason you have to go to school this year or can you wait another year?
Are there other schools you would apply to if you could do the process again?
Would you be comfortable going to one of the schools that offered you admission or would you want to take another crack at that school that waitlisted you?
Perhaps you were dead set on starting school as soon as possible so postponing may seem less than optimal. Still, take the moment to review your options.
Again, bouncing off ideas with your crew or people who have experienced similar situations can be a difference maker and help you arrive at a decision you can be comfortable with. Chances are you may have more options on directions to go than you think.
4. Write your letter of continued interest. After contemplating all your options, you are in a good position to write a letter of continued interest.
This is your opportunity to tell the school you are still interested and would attend if granted admission. Think and reflect on your life since turning in the application.
Are there any new professional or personal developments that you think the school should know?
Did you experience something that reinforced your interest in studying at this specific school?
Maybe you want to share you have been offered admission at another school but the school waitlisting you is still your number one choice.
Once you have written the letter, be sure to solicit feedback from a mentor or someone familiar with the school admission process. An extra pair of eyes can really go a long way.
Note: If the school you applied to does not require a letter of continued interest or requires you to take different actions, follow their instructions.
No one applies to a school with the hope of being put on a waitlist, but it happens. If you find yourself waitlisted, do not see it as an end but rather a beginning. Use the moment to reflect on why you wanted to take this next step in your education. This perspective can help center you as you figure out what to do. Take a deep breath! You got this! Good luck!
