By David W. Clark, Ed.M.

Remember, placing an applicant on a college’s Admissions Wait List, is a tool of enrollment management which serves the college’s interest, not yours.

Good news/Bad news: You did not get rejected and the college is working to keep you from choosing another college. But your chances are slim.

How does it work? Admissions offices do one of two things. Create a numerical ranking of the Wait List students ranked in order of priority for the college or simply re-start the folder evaluation process considering only the entire pool of Wait List students.

 Bottom line: Either way, you are unlikely to get a precise estimation from the college of your chances of finally getting accepted.

What should you do if your first choice college puts you on the Wait List?

First: Make your case! Show strong interest by saying “Yes” to the Wait List offer. Contact both the regional rep and the office of the Director of Admissions. Update the Admissions Office with your third marking period grades, any Honor roll or other awards and anything new since the original application was submitted.

Second: Explore other options. Assume you will NOT be moved off the wait list. Remember: Financial Aid is almost always awarded on a first come first served basis.

Next week’s VISTA.Today college admissions posting? Did every college reject your application? Do not despair. You have options.

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David W. Clark, Ed.M., is an independent college admission consultant who has been working with high school students for more than thirty-five years. David is a graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Education. His website www.collegesearchnow.net is worth visiting and he can be reached there or by calling 610-304-7119.

Mr. Clark is a full member of the Pennsylvania Association of College Admissions Counselors and the Higher Education Consultants Association.

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