Discus Awards

As someone who was waitlisted back in the day, I understand that sitting on a college wait list can make you feel like a benchwarmer on a sports team. Well, I’m about to tell you why it’s really not that bad. After all, the benchwarmers still made the team, didn’t they?

First, the grim truth. Recently, articles have been popping up everywhere talking about how college wait lists just keep getting longer and longer. NPR ran a story As College Wait Lists Grow, So Does The Anxiety that mentioned colleges have increased the size of their waiting lists partly due to concerns they won’t have enough students accepting admission. The New York Times also highlighted the trend in an article titled For Students, a Waiting List Is Scant Hope in which writer Jacques Steinberg points out students on the waiting list are not ranked; decisions on who is admitted off the waiting list are actually made based on characteristics the school thinks their incoming freshmen class lacks.

Now, in my humble opinion, here’s why being on the waiting list is not the end of the world. No matter where you go, it’s still college. If you believe in the romantic concept of “Mr. or Mrs. Right” that’s one thing, but I promise you “The One” does not apply to choosing a college. There are colleges that fit your personality and interests and there are colleges that don’t, but no one college is perfect for you so if you’re waitlisted at your top choice, I guarantee you will still enjoy college at your second choice.

Also, keep in mind that being waitlisted, especially at a very competitive school, is a compliment, not an insult. College admissions officers screen candidates as they receive applications and put together three piles. One pile is for the students that are absolutely going to be accepted into the school barring a federal felony. A second pile is for the students that are absolutely not going to be accepted unless they start their own business, make enough money to purchase the school, and then buy it and accept themselves into it. Finally, the third pile is for the students who the admissions officers think are wonderful students with great achievements, and the only uncertainty is the availability of space. Think of it as an honorable mention, and honorable mentions are still in the select group of individuals who are recognized for their achievements.

Are you on a college wait list right now?  Tell me how you feel.

Filed under: Discus Dan • College Prep • College Admissions