You’ve planned meticulously, worked your hardest in school and achieved high marks, selected your colleges, and then, you wait. And, when the decision finally comes out, you are offered a waitlist spot. What should you do, and what should you expect?

First, evaluate your level of interest in the particular college. Have things changed? Do you have offers of admission to other colleges on your list that you would prefer to attend anyway? If so, reply “no” to the “do you want to accept a spot on our waitlist?” question, allowing other, more interested, students the opportunity. If you do want to potentially be considered for a spot off the waitlist, then reply “yes” and send that reply right away.

Next, do a little homework. Know that, from year to year, and from one college to another, the number of students that a college can or will accept from the waitlist can range from zero to dozens or hundreds. Make yourself aware of this range for your college of interest, so that you are not setting your expectations to high (or low!)

Then, do what you can to demonstrate your level of interest to that college, by writing a brief letter, visiting, or gathering more information about them through various means. Be aware that, though it’s called a “Waitlist”, it is more an unranked pool of candidates, all of whom could fill a spot in that college’s class, bringing different strengths and qualities. So, it’s highly unlikely that you are situated in any particular pecking order, and that you actually have another opportunity to impact your chances of getting a space. If you have had any significant achievements or new developments since you filed your application and sent your mid-year update, let the college know about these. This not only shows your continued interest, but it may highlight your application in the pool of other equally qualified candidates.

In the meantime, accept that it’s possible that the results have turned out as they should, and that you will be just as well off (or better) at one of the colleges that has made you an offer. Be sure to prioritize those, and move forward with at least one/your next top choice, in terms of putting in a deposit by the deadline, completing paperwork for on-campus housing, registering for courses, or confirming your orientation program dates, so that you have a firm plan in place for fall.