Next Steps After the Waitlist: What You Can Do to Improve Your Ivy League Chances
If you've recently found yourself waitlisted by an Ivy League school, you might be feeling a mix of emotions—from frustration to uncertainty, or even a flicker of hope. You are not alone in this. Thousands of highly qualified students are in the same position each year.
While you can’t control how many students decline their offers, there are steps you can take to strengthen your chances if a spot becomes available. Here’s what you can do next:
Accept Your Spot on the Waitlist
To remain in consideration, you must formally accept your spot on the waitlist through your application portal. If you fail to do this, you will no longer be considered for admission.
Submit a Letter of Continued Interest (If Allowed)
Not all Ivy League schools allow additional communication from waitlisted students, so it’s important to check each school’s policy. If they do allow it, submitting a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a key step.
Your LOCI should:
Reaffirm that this school is your top choice and you would enroll if admitted.
Highlight any new academic achievements, leadership roles, or awards earned since you submitted your application.
Express continued enthusiasm for the school and how it aligns with your goals.
For more detailed guidance, we’ve also posted a blog: How to Craft the Statement That Gets You In, which will provide expert tips on writing a compelling LOCI.
Keep Your Grades Up
Your final transcripts still matter, even if you’ve been waitlisted. If the school decides to admit students from the waitlist, they may look at your senior year performance before making a final decision. So, continue to prioritize your academics.
Respect the Process
Some Ivy League schools welcome additional recommendations or updates; others do not. Be sure to follow the specific waitlist policies of each school to ensure you’re taking the right steps and not violating any guidelines. For additional insight on how to approach the waitlist process, refer to our previous blog, Waitlisted by an Ivy League? Here’s What You Need to Know.
Move Forward with Your Backup Plan
Being waitlisted can be disappointing, but it’s important to keep your momentum. Commit to a school where you can see yourself thriving. If a spot opens up on the waitlist, that's fantastic—but if not, you’ll still have a fulfilling college experience.
If you’ve been waitlisted by an Ivy League school, now is the time to take proactive steps. Every situation is unique, and positioning yourself effectively can make a difference. For example, if you're waitlisted at multiple Ivy League schools, it may be worth prioritizing your responses based on your top choices or even reaching out to each school with different types of updates.
At Ivy Link, our counselors provide personalized support—from reviewing applications to refining Letters of Continued Interest. If you’re unsure about what to do next, reach out to us for expert guidance. Our team can also offer real-world examples of students who successfully navigated this process, helping you see how others have turned the situation around. We’re here to help you make the best possible move in this process.
