Rejections/Appeals/Waitlist
Advice from Ms. An
Rejections & Appeals
Receiving a rejection letter from your dream school can be a tough pill to swallow. But remember, it's not the end of the world. You still have many options available to you, and the first step is to take a deep breath and keep a level head.
Before you do anything else, make sure to submit a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to a college that accepted you. This secures your spot at a college, and it's important to have a backup plan in place just in case your appeal is not successful.
If you decide to appeal your admissions decision, keep in mind that the UCs and CSUs generally only consider new and compelling information. This means that any information or accomplishments that happened after the admissions deadline will not be taken into account. Your appeal should focus on any relevant changes or updates that happened before the deadline that were not included in your original application.
It's also important to remember that appealing a rejection does not guarantee acceptance. You should only appeal if you have strong new information to present. If you are unsure about whether or not to appeal, you can always speak to an admissions counselor for advice.
While you wait for a decision on your appeal, make the most of your time where you are. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you and continue to excel academically. You never know what doors may open for you in the future.
Remember, college is what you make of it, regardless of where you end up. Stay positive, stay focused, and keep striving for success
Waitlisted, now what?
If you find yourself on a college waitlist, don't worry, it's a common experience. However, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to letters of continued interest. While some smaller liberal arts schools might welcome them, UCs do not want them. So, save your breath and avoid sending unnecessary letters that could potentially hurt your chances.
If you do decide to write a letter, keep it short and sweet. Highlight why you're a good fit for the college and what unique qualities you can bring to their campus. But, don't go overboard with your promises or make it sound like a cheesy love letter. Admissions officers want to see genuine interest, not a novel.
Keep in mind that being placed on a waitlist is not a guarantee of admission. You need to commit to a college by submitting a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) before May 1st. If you do receive an offer from a waitlist school after you've already submitted your SIR, you'll need to weigh your options carefully. If you choose to attend the waitlist school instead, you'll likely need to forfeit your deposit at the first school.
Hope this helps ease some of your waitlist worries!