Paraphrased here, it goes something like this: “We wanted to accept you, really, but… we just couldn’t. So we’re going to ask you to wait, just a little longer, like about two to three months!”

For high school seniors, being put on the wait-list is purgatory… on steroids. Students don’t know where they’re going to end up and sometimes they just want the waffling to be over, to make a decision and to move on.

Students craving closure will typically say “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m going somewhere that really wants me.” Other students relish every glimmer of hope their dream school offers and instantly let them know that “If you accept me, I will come. Please, please accept me.”

So, if you’re really interested, how do you boost your chances of getting off the wait-list and getting in?

Don’t wait: Write a letter to the admissions office. Tell them of your sincere interest in attending the college and any recent activities that were not detailed on your application, such as new and improved test scores, honors, awards, etc. Be specific about what your courses and clubs, and how you would enhance the college community.

Try to get a sense of how the wait-list works. Every college maintains their own wait-list process. Very few colleges actually rank their list and that means most can’t tell you that there are 17 people ahead of you.

In most cases, colleges are still trying to “create a freshman class,” which means they may be looking for the oboe player for the band or the debate team competitor – you just don’t know where their gaps are.

Stay active and don’t slack on the studies. Many wait-listed students will be re-evaluated after the final senior year transcript has been submitted. If your grades tank, that could be a very easy reason to not accept you. The same goes for your extracurricular activities: Stay involved.

Re-examine the colleges where you were accepted. You should prepare to attend another college. So take another look at the ones that wanted you, make a pro and con list, and make a decision. Put down a deposit somewhere, you will feel better.