May 1st is a big day for high school seniors all across the United States. This is the deadline for them to make their final decision and choose the college they will attend. For many students, it's a time of excitement and anticipation, full of opportunities and possibilities. But what about students who are hoping for a spot off a college's waitlist? Is it worth it to wait and see?

The answer to that question is not a simple one. A college waitlist is a group of students who have not yet been accepted or denied admission to a college. Colleges use waitlists for various reasons, such as ensuring a properly-sized incoming class, or to address other institutional needs and priorities. For students who have accepted a spot on the waitlist, it's important to keep in mind that the final decision won't be announced until after May 1st, and sometimes as late as June, July, or even August.

Furthermore, waitlists can vary greatly from year to year, and there's no surefire way to predict whether a student will be offered a spot in the incoming class. However, if a student is genuinely interested in attending a school, it doesn't hurt to stay on the waitlist. We recommend that students carefully read their waitlist offer, as it often includes information on what steps to take next. Students on the waitlist might also consider writing a Letter of Continued Interest, summarizing any new updates or accomplishments since they applied, and highlighting the reasons they would be a good fit for the school.

It's important to remember, though, that students should also accept their offer from the college they have decided to attend and stop thinking about the waitlist. We encourage students and families to approach the waitlist with a positive mindset: give it your best shot, hope for the best, and prepare to thrive at the college you do end up attending.



So, is it worth it to wait and see if you'll be offered a spot off a college's waitlist? It depends on the student's individual situation and priorities. For some students, the chance to attend their top-choice school is worth the wait and uncertainty. For others, it may be more important to have a definite plan in place and move forward with the college they have already chosen. Ultimately, the decision is up to the student and their family, but staying positive and proactive can help make the waitlist process less stressful and more manageable.