Admit it. Wait, wait, please tell me.
Admit it, waiting is not easy. This week many students were notified of their admission status to some of the most competitive colleges and universities in the United States. The Huffington Post reported that the class of 2015's application rates climbed and acceptance rates plummeted to single digits. Although many students were declined and a few were accepted, many students found their thin envelopes detailing their status as “Wait listed.”
Selective colleges and universities strategically utilize the wait list to assure the budgetary needs of an incoming class while keeping their acceptance rates low and making their college seem even more prestigious and desirable. Given the monumental overlap of applications to selective schools, more and more exceptional students are finding them selves on the wait list. Harvard University’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, William Fitzsimmon, acknowledges that selective schools create wait lists that are close to the size of the admitted class. “This year, Yale and Princeton—both with an average class size of approximately 1,300—wait listed 996 and 1,248 students, respectively.”
Crisp Consulting + Coaching offers critical information to those students finding them selves on the wait list. Similar to Napolean Hill, patience, perseverance and planning are an unbeatable combination for success.
Patience not panic. Over the past few years, between 49 and 228 students have been accepted to selective colleges from the wait list. Only once in the last decade have no students been admitted to Harvard from the wait list.
Perseverance not passivity. Set yourself apart from the other wait listed applicants by constructing a plan. Contact the admissions office to better understand their wait list policy and for opportunities to send additional materials that may help affect a positive outcome.
Plan not piecemeal. Your educational plan for college admissions should provide you with choices that will support your future goal. Knowing that you have other choices will help alleviate stress and keep you from reacting and making a rash decision that could negatively affect your desired educational outcome.
Waiting is never easy. Yet, with an intentional plan, you can maximize your prospect for admission, reduce the college admission frenzy and achieve your great educational goals.
Crisp Consulting + Coaching has information regarding admission, education and school options and on our YouTube Channel.
Brian D. Crisp is an independent educational consultant with Crisp Consulting + Coaching who works with families in Asheville, Charleston, and Savannah to optimize and realize their unique educational fit and admission success. As a former professor, administrator, and teacher, Brian has the knowledge and skills to counsel families in all aspects of educational planning.
