The college admissions process can be a rollercoaster, and if your teen has been placed on a waitlist, you’re likely feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty. But here’s the truth: A waitlist decision is not a rejection. It’s an opportunity.

Colleges use waitlists to manage their enrollment numbers. They admit a certain number of students but know that not all will accept their offer. A waitlist allows them to fill any gaps left by students who decide to go elsewhere. So while it’s not an immediate ‘yes,’ it’s also not a definitive ‘no.’ Your teen still has a chance—but only if they take the right steps.

Step 1: Respond to the Waitlist Offer Immediately

Colleges won’t assume your teen wants to ...

Parents, if your child's been waitlisted, please consider this: this arduous process just got longer. 

A waitlist decision is not a “yes” and it’s not a “no”. It’s a “wait, and we will see.” The waitlist is used as a pool of students who may be admitted if a university does not meet their expected level of enrollment. Essentially, if their accepted students say “no” then they probably will admit some students who are on the waiting list. The length of these lists varies between institutions but can be from a hundred to thousands of students long. There are many reasons why your child may be waitlisted for a school, including: 

• The college is not sure if it will meet its enrollment goal. 

• Limi...