Perhaps you've been wondering...
What should I do if I'm waitlisted?
OK - so you are still in the game at that college! Colleges are reporting
that they are having a harder time predicting who will come - which means
that some schools that seem more difficult to get into might admit a given
student right away while others that seem easier to get into might
waitlist that student. So your early waitlist before you've gotten all
your news does not necessarily say anything about how your results will
come in overall. It also means many college will be going to their
waitlists.
Here's what to do:
1. Return any waiting list card(s) immediately to the college(s) in which
you are interested. You may stay on as many waiting lists as you wish;
however, if you are on the waiting list at multiple schools, determine
which school would be your top choice.
2. Email us, listing the schools on whose waiting list you are remaining
and indicating the one that is your top choice.
3. Fall in love with one of the colleges to which you have been accepted.
It is important to balance your commitment to this institution in your
mind and heart with maintaining your hope about the waiting list.
4. Be patient. The waiting list is an endurance test, pushing the college
process further into your senior year than you expected. Colleges will
begin turning to their waiting lists after the national reply date of May
1st and continue to consider applicants until the end of June or even July
in some cases.
5. About seven to ten days later after sending in the reply card, send a
letter to the college(s) expressing your continued interest in the college
and updating them about fresh accomplishments and enthusiasms you have
experienced since your last communication with them. The letter should
address your excitement about the college, a specific academic interest or
course that is inspiring you and can translate to the college in question,
and highlights from your extracurricular life at St. Andrew's. In very
clear language, you should indicate to your top choice school that they
are your number one school and that you would certainly attend if offered
a space in the freshman class. We are happy to review the letter for you
before you mail.
6. You may wish to ask a teacher for whom you are doing unusually fine
work this spring and who has not previously written for you to write a
letter of recommendation. Please speak with us before asking your teacher.
7. Finish the spring semester on a high note. Your fourth quarter grades
may be a critical factor in the waiting list process. Some colleges may
wait to render their decision until your final grades are available.
8. Keep us informed of every new happening in your life. Just send us a
quick email with the details.
Thanks and good luck!
Your allies,
The college counselors
