What to do when you are waitlisted?

Applications to top universities have been more competitive than ever. Universities received record-breaking number of applications and most of them are not planning on adding more spots on their freshman classes. If you are waitlisted, you should be proactive to improve your chances to get accepted. Follow the school's instructions to remain on the wait list. We provide some suggestions below that you can put into action, unless the university EXPLICITLY told you not to do anything.

2. Contact the admission officer and write a follow up letter (Letter of continued interest):
   1. What do you particularly like about the university?
   2. What's new since you applied? What do you have to offer?
   3. Be specific WHY the university is a perfect match for you academically and non-academically.
   4. Reiterate why the university remains your top choice.
3. You can ask your school counsellor to call and advocate for you.
4. Ask a teacher from senior year to write an extra letter of recommendation. The teacher can speak about any improvements you have made, how you exceeded his/her expectations as a student, and what you can contribute to that university in particular.
5. Send any updates such as updated transcript, additional awards, etc.

Keep in mind that every update that you provide should be new information. Do not tell them what they already know about you.  Don't's:

1. Don't be passive
2. Don't flood the admission officers with a bunch of new essays and letters of recommendations

Do's:

1. Follow up by phone a week or two after you've sent materials so you can speak directly to your admission officer
2. Do mention other universities you got into but emphasize academically why you prefer their university