How to Get Off the College Waitlist in 2025
- James Ko
- Apr 16
- 1 min read
Getting waitlisted by a college is not the end — it's a second chance. With the right mindset and strategic actions, you can still turn that “maybe” into a “yes.” Here’s how to improve your odds in 2025.
Why the Waitlist Exists
Colleges use waitlists to manage unpredictable yield rates.
Acceptance rates vary greatly by year and school — and sometimes, a bit of luck helps.
Recent Waitlist Acceptance Rates (2024-25)
College | Acceptance Rate |
Vassar College | 33% |
UC Berkeley | 25% |
Stanford | 15% |
Tufts | 15% |
Dartmouth | 13% |
Cornell (Ivy) | 6% |
Yale (Ivy) | 4% |
Princeton | 3% |
UPenn | 2% |
Boston University | 0.4% |
How to Improve Your Chances
Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)Clearly state your intention to attend if admitted.
Maintain Strong GradesSpring semester performance matters.
Update with New AchievementsInclude awards, improved test scores, or extracurricular updates.
Communicate WiselyAvoid overwhelming the admissions office — be professional and respectful.
What to Do While You Wait
Submit a deposit to a school you’ve already been accepted to.
Don’t put your life on hold — make the most of every opportunity.
No matter where you land, your future is bright.
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