Introduction
Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, accepts only a tiny fraction of its applicants. In recent years, the acceptance rate has hovered around 5%, meaning that for every 100 students who apply, only 5 will be offered admission.
This highly competitive admissions process can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that even if you’re waitlisted, you still have a chance of getting into Harvard. In fact, according to the Harvard College Admissions Office, over 100 students from the waitlist were offered admission in the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.
If you’ve been waitlisted for Harvard, don’t give up hope. There are several things you can do to improve your chances of being admitted, such as:
- Sending a letter of continued interest
- Contacting your admissions officer
- Updating your application materials
- Demonstrating sustained academic excellence
In this guide, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of the waitlist process at Harvard, including the following topics:
- What is the waitlist?
- How does the waitlist work?
- What are my chances of getting off the waitlist?
- What can I do to improve my chances of getting off the waitlist?
- Common mistakes to avoid
- How to write a letter of continued interest
What is the Waitlist?
The waitlist is a list of students who have been offered admission to Harvard but who have not yet been accepted. These students are typically placed on the waitlist because they are not among the top applicants in the admissions pool. However, they are still considered to be qualified candidates who may be admitted if spaces become available.
How Does the Waitlist Work?
The waitlist is typically managed by the admissions office, which reviews the applications of waitlisted students throughout the admissions cycle. If spaces become available, the admissions office will offer admission to the most qualified students on the waitlist.
The number of students who are admitted from the waitlist varies from year to year. In recent years, Harvard has admitted between 100 and 200 students from the waitlist.
What Are My Chances of Getting Off the Waitlist?
Your chances of getting off the waitlist depend on a number of factors, including your academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal statement. The admissions office will also consider your financial need and your demonstrated interest in Harvard.
According to the Harvard College Admissions Office, the average admit rate for waitlisted students is around 10%. This means that for every 10 students who are waitlisted, 1 will be offered admission.
What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Getting Off the Waitlist?
There are several things you can do to improve your chances of getting off the waitlist, such as:
- Send a letter of continued interest. This letter should express your continued interest in attending Harvard and explain why you believe you would be a valuable addition to the student body.
- Contact your admissions officer. You can reach out to your admissions officer via email or phone to ask for an update on your status and to express your continued interest in Harvard.
- Update your application materials. If you have any new information to share with the admissions office, such as new grades or test scores, you can submit an update to your application.
- Demonstrate sustained academic excellence. Continue to earn good grades in your classes and participate in challenging extracurricular activities. This will show the admissions office that you are a motivated and capable student.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few common mistakes that you should avoid when you’re on the waitlist, such as:
- Don’t pester the admissions office. While it’s okay to reach out to your admissions officer once or twice, you should avoid contacting them too frequently.
- Don’t give up hope. Even if you don’t hear from the admissions office for several months, don’t give up hope. Students are often admitted from the waitlist even in the summer or fall.
- Don’t assume that you’re not going to get in. Just because you’re on the waitlist doesn’t mean that you’re not going to get into Harvard. Continue to work hard and demonstrate your continued interest in the university.
How to Write a Letter of Continued Interest
If you’re interested in sending a letter of continued interest to the admissions office, here are a few tips:
- Keep it brief. Your letter should be no more than one page long.
- Be specific. Explain why you continue to be interested in attending Harvard and what you believe you would contribute to the university.
- Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. The admissions office wants to get to know the real you.
- Proofread your letter carefully. Make sure there are no errors in grammar or spelling.
Conclusion
Being waitlisted for Harvard can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to remember that you still have a chance of getting in. By following the tips in this guide, you can improve your chances of being admitted.