When Do Waitlist Decisions Come Out? A Complete Guide

Every year, thousands of qualified students are placed on college waitlists, caught between acceptance and rejection. According to the 2019 State of College Admission report by NACAC, about 10% of applicants end up in this position. If you’re one of them and wondering when waitlist decisions come out, most colleges make those calls between early May and mid-July.

But if you’re unsure where you stand or what to expect next, don’t worry. This guide breaks down what it means to be waitlisted, when top colleges typically release waitlist updates, and what steps you can take to stay proactive and confident in the process.

• What Does Being Waitlisted Mean for College Applicants? 
• When Do Waitlist Decisions Come Out at Top Colleges?
• What Are the Chances of Getting Off the Waitlist?
• What Should You Do After Being Waitlisted?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Does Being Waitlisted Mean for College Applicants?

To put it simply, being waitlisted means you weren’t accepted right away, but you still have a chance of getting in. It’s like being an alternate in a chess tournament: your game isn’t over, but you’ll only compete if someone else gives up their spot.

Waitlisting is how colleges keep strong candidates “on reserve.” The downside? They have to wait for final enrollment numbers before offering you a place, and this is one reason why the process can feel so uncertain. As Stanford Admissions explains, waitlist decisions come only after admitted students have accepted or declined their spots.

So, what does being on a waitlist actually mean for your college chances? Simply put, the door’s still open. And before you start second-guessing yourself, it helps to understand what colleges are considering

Common reasons for college waitlists

Colleges don’t waitlist students at random. If you’ve been waitlisted, it’s often a strategic move tied to enrollment goals, shifting priorities, or how many admitted students actually accept their offers. The process, as MIT puts it, helps manage “uncertainties.”

So if you end up on the waitlist, chances are it’s for one of these reasons:

• Limited space in the incoming class. Some schools receive far more qualified applicants than they can admit, especially in high-demand majors.
• Borderline qualifications. Landing in the middle ground—either because your profile didn’t fully align with admitted students or stood out so much they assumed you’d choose another school—can lead to a waitlist decision.
• Yield protection. To maintain a high yield rate (the percentage of admitted students who enroll), some schools prioritize applicants they believe are more likely to accept an offer.
• Balance in class composition. Top-tier colleges aim to build well-rounded classes based on geography, interests, and background.
• Gaps in your application. A weaker essay, short activity list, or inconsistent grades may give admissions officers reason to hold off on an offer.
• Less demonstrated interest. At schools that consider your level of engagement, not visiting or reaching out may suggest they’re not one of your top choices.
• Institutional priorities. Some schools give preference to legacy students, recruited athletes, first-generation applicants, or others who meet institutional goals for that year.

You might not control what’s happening behind the scenes, but understanding how the waitlist works for college admission gives you a better chance to make informed, timely decisions.

When Do Waitlist Decisions Come Out at Top Colleges?

The waitlist process usually picks up after College Decision Day (May 1), when colleges assess how many admitted students have accepted their offers. Some schools begin releasing updates in early May, but the process can stretch into the summer, sometimes right up until the start of the school year.

According to their official admissions timelines, here’s when you can expect to hear back from top national universities:

The same holds true for top liberal arts colleges, which typically have smaller campuses and more limited class sizes. As a result, they often release waitlist decisions in smaller waves or close their lists sooner than larger universities:

The long wait can feel overwhelming, but knowing when waitlist decisions come out is one of the best ways to stay grounded and prepared for any outcome.

What Are the Chances of Getting off the Waitlist?

Getting waitlisted isn’t the end of the road, but your odds of admission can vary widely. According to the 2019 report by NACAC, about 20% of waitlisted students do get accepted. However, the chances are much lower at more selective schools, with just 7% admitted from the waitlist in the 2018 cycle alone.

Some years, that number drops to zero. For example, Yale accepted no students from the waitlist for its Class of 2027, and MIT reported the same for the Class of 2026. These shifts often depend on institutional priorities and high student demand, making the waitlist process especially unpredictable at top-tier schools.

Given the uncertainty, it’s best to stay flexible and realistic as you weigh other offers or next steps when waitlist decisions come out.

What Should You Do after Being Waitlisted?

Unlike being deferred, which offers a clearer second chance, being waitlisted can leave you feeling stuck. The good news? You still have time to take action before the school year begins or before waitlist decisions come out. If you’re unsure how to move forward, talk to your school counselor or a trusted adult, and consider these next steps:

1. Secure your spot and confirm your interest.

When you’re placed on the waitlist, most colleges won’t consider you unless you formally accept your spot. That usually means confirming soon after Regular Decision (RD) results that you want to stay in the pool for consideration.

Most schools will ask you to submit a reply form through your applicant portal. At Cornell, for example, students waitlisted for the Class of 2029 must respond by April 23 for a shot at any openings after May 1. Miss the deadline, and you’re out.

Other schools, like Dartmouth, may also request a short letter of interest with your confirmation. So if you’re committed to staying in the running, follow the instructions in your portal carefully, and don’t miss your chance to remain eligible.

2. Follow up with a LOCI (letter of continued interest).

After confirming your place on the waitlist, many colleges allow—or even encourage—you to submit a LOCI (letter of continued interest). This short but strategic letter gives you the chance to show your continued commitment and remind the admissions team why you’re still a great fit.

While it doesn’t guarantee admission, a well-crafted LOCI can help tip the odds in your favor before waitlist decisions come out. Here are a few must-haves to include:

• Expression of gratitude. Open strong by thanking the admissions committee for reviewing your application and offering you a place on the waitlist.
• Reaffirmation of interest. Make it clear that the school remains your top choice and briefly explain why it stands out to you.
• Accomplishment updates. Share any meaningful academic, extracurricular, or personal milestones since you first applied.
• Demonstration of fit. Highlight how your goals, interests, or values align with the school’s programs or mission, showing you’d thrive in its community.
• Professional tone and conciseness. Keep it polite, confident, and no longer than one page.
• Optimistic and grateful close. Wrap up with a sincere thank-you and express hope for a favorable outcome.

If you’re ready to start writing, here’s what those elements might look like in action:

Dear Dartmouth Admissions Committee,

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I am excited for the opportunity to become part of Dartmouth’s Class of 2030.

Thank you for reviewing my application and placing me on the waitlist. Dartmouth remains my top choice, and I would enthusiastically accept an offer if admitted.

Since applying, I earned first place in my state’s National Economics Challenge and was appointed co-leader of my school’s environmental policy committee. Both experiences have further shaped my long-term goals in sustainability and policy-making—areas I’m eager to explore through Dartmouth’s Public Policy minor and the Arthur L. Irving Institute’s focus on energy and society.

Beyond academics, I’m especially drawn to Dartmouth’s community-centered ethos, from the flexibility of the D-Plan to the close faculty-student relationships I’ve heard so much about. I’m confident I would thrive in that environment and contribute meaningfully both in and beyond the classroom.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I remain excited about the opportunity to join Dartmouth’s Class of 2030.

Sincerely,

Maya Thompson

Common App ID: 12345678

Keep in mind: not every school welcomes a LOCI. Before sending one, check the school’s policy to be sure it’s encouraged. Your letter should support your waitlist standing, not risk your chances.

3. Keep your grades up and stay engaged.

While being waitlisted can feel discouraging, letting it affect your motivation during senior year won’t help your chances. In fact, if you’re still hoping for a spot, how you carry yourself through the end of senior year—and even into the summer—can still make a difference.

Colleges want to see that you’re staying committed, even without a guaranteed outcome. Some schools, like Northeastern University, may even request updated transcripts or senior-year progress reports as a way to assess continued academic performance and interest.

It’s okay to feel disappointed about the uncertainty, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. There are still other schools on your college list that believe in your potential, so by keeping your options open, you won’t limit yourself when waitlist decisions come out.

4. Weigh your backup option and pay a deposit elsewhere.

If weeks go by with no update, it might be time to start planning your next step. After sending your LOCI and confirming your interest, try not to fixate on the outcome—especially if it’s a dream or target school. Instead, shift your focus to colleges you can confidently attend in the fall.

Being waitlisted isn’t bad, but you can’t rely on it forever. Since many waitlist decisions don’t come until after May 1, it’s ideal to accept an offer and submit an enrollment deposit elsewhere by the deadline. That way, you’ll have a solid plan in place in case the waitlist doesn’t work out.

Just keep in mind: if you’re admitted off the waitlist later, you’ll likely lose that initial deposit. So weigh your options carefully and commit to a school you’d be happy to attend, regardless of what happens next.

5. Know when to move on if you don’t hear back.

Since the waitlist process can drag on—even into the summer—you’ll need to decide if staying on the list is still worth it. Having a shot doesn’t mean it’s worth spending your final weeks chasing updates or stressing about when waitlist decisions come out.

Doing so can make you miss out on valuable prep time and milestones with your backup school. If that worries you, start by having an honest conversation with your parents or counselor about where things stand.

If you haven’t heard back by the time orientation or move-in approaches, ask yourself:

• Have I already mentally committed to my backup school?
• If I got off the waitlist now, would I still want to make the switch?
• What does my target school offer that my backup doesn’t and that I can’t pass up?
• Have I missed key deadlines or opportunities at my current school by waiting?
• Does staying on the waitlist help or hurt my college transition?

While being waitlisted isn’t bad, moving forward can sometimes open more doors than waiting, so don’t force yourself to wait. Success can come either way, no matter how things play out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How likely is it to get in after being waitlisted?

It depends on the college and the year, but overall, the chances of getting off the waitlist are fairly low—often under 20%. Some schools admit just a few students from the waitlist, while others may take hundreds, depending on how many admitted students decline their offers. So while waitlisted students do get accepted, it’s smart to stay realistic and keep your options open.

2. Is being waitlisted bad in college?

Being waitlisted isn’t bad. It just means you met the college’s standards but weren’t offered a spot right away due to limited space or institutional needs. Competitive schools even waitlist strong applicants to shape or balance their incoming class. While it can feel frustrating, understanding how waitlists work for college admissions helps you stay in the running, strengthen your profile, and plan your next steps.

3. How will I know if I got off the college waitlist?

Colleges typically notify waitlisted students through the applicant portal, email, or a blog update—often starting after College Decision Day (May 1). Some release decisions all at once, while others notify students gradually, so it’s important to check your portal regularly when waitlist decisions come out. You can also keep an eye on student forums for signs that schools are pulling from their waitlist.

4. When should I expect waitlist decisions to come out?

Waitlist decisions typically start rolling out after May 1, but the exact timeline depends on the school. Some colleges release all decisions at once in late May or June, while others notify students on a rolling basis into July or even August. Since there’s no universal date, check your portal and email regularly for updates on when waitlist decisions come out.

5. What should I avoid doing while on the waitlist?

While it’s normal to want to stand out, overstepping boundaries can actually hurt your chances. Avoid showing up unannounced, flooding admissions with emails, or trying to plead your case in person. If a LOCI is encouraged, submit one—but only after confirming your place on the waitlist. Most importantly, don’t wait without having a solid backup plan for the fall.

Takeaways

While waiting for waitlist decisions to come out, here’s what’s worth keeping in mind:

• Being waitlisted doesn’t mean you were rejected. It usually reflects limited space or shifting enrollment needs. Knowing why you were waitlisted can help you respond strategically.
• Most top colleges start releasing waitlist decisions in May, with some extending into the summer. Since timelines vary, checking your applicant portal regularly is key.
• Your chances of getting off the waitlist can be unpredictable and often fall below 20%. That’s why it’s smart to secure your spot at another college in the meantime.
• After confirming your interest, keep your grades up, send a strong LOCI if allowed, and commit to a solid backup plan so you’re prepared either way.
• Still unsure how to move forward? A college admissions expert can help you write a compelling LOCI, weigh your options, and stay on track.