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Welcome, Everyone!
For candidates, we touch upon the most pressing issues of applicants. This time we have come up with the most interesting topic, “how to get off the Harvard waitlist.” It's the most needed topic, and why not? Harvard is the dream and first choice, listing down the b-schools.
This article will be the ultimate guide on how to get off the Harvard waitlist (or any waitlist, in general, too). We will help you dig deep into whether you have gaps in your ‘story’ or ‘profile’- requiring different strategies.
To get personalized advice, book a free 1:1 session with our experts (alums and students of top B-Schools!)
Quick Snapshot
What Does Being Waitlisted Mean?
We all know top B-schools have limited seats, with schools like Harvard having acceptance rates slimmer than any other schools. Getting on the waitlist can imply different things and is highly influenced by applicants’ backgrounds, profiles, and the rounds they apply in. For example, suppose you are a white male in the private equity industry and applying in Round 3. In that case, the school might have already almost filled its seats with applicants from similar backgrounds, and while they love your profile, they may wait on you and like to see some diverse profiles.
"I think it's really important for a student to think about the waitlist more in institutional terms than it is for a student to think about what the waitlist says about them as an applicant," says Ian Fisher, senior director of educational counseling and strategic partnerships at Bright Horizons College Coach.
No one can guarantee that if you do certain things, you will be able to get off that waitlist, but there are ways that you can try to budge it. As there is no ranking when a student is placed on the waitlist, applicants need to learn their chances of beating the odds. But let’s see if we can help you with what’s in our kitty! 😉
Suggested Readings
Understand the ‘why’ behind your getting waitlisted.
As mentioned in the beginning, it’s important to understand the possible cause behind your getting waitlisted. Many factors can influence this list, some in your control and others beyond. Unless you know the underlying cause, you may shoot in the dark.
We’ll only be talking about two factors (which are in your control)-
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Profile- If you have apparent gaps in your profile (i.e., low GPA/GMAT, low work-ex, gaps in work experience, etc.), then working on those gaps and communicating them may have a big impact on you getting off the waitlist.
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Applications- If there are no substantial gaps in your profile, you need to review your application by consultants/current students/alums to understand if there are gaps in your narrative or essays. It is important to get it checked by someone else because there is a good possibility that you are biased toward what you have written, and you may need help to see through any gaps.
Tips For Getting Accepted Off The Waitlist-
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Lock in your deposit fees in the B-school where you get selected.
“If plan A didn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters.” There are a lot more top B-schools waiting to welcome you warm-heartedly. Always play smart (or don’t play dumb), and submit your deposit fees at your next-in-line college. It will guarantee your seat in that class, even if there is no policy to get a refund.
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Make a crystal clear decision about that seat.
The first thing you should do is consider how much you still want to study at Harvard.
"If you stay on the waitlist with no intention of attending that school, then you are essentially taking a seat from a student who would have loved to attend that school," Christopher Rim, founder, and CEO of the admissions firm Command Education.
However, if the school remains your true preference, make sure you stay on its waitlist, as you still have a chance of getting accepted. If financial aid is a major deciding factor for you, most of the financial aid may have already been taken by the admitted students.
Suggested Readings
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Keep your Academics Strong
Generally, under the pressure of the hour, we often distract from our last semester, but this is where you can pull up your socks and show adcoms of Harvard that nothing can distract you in your academics and mark your impression. This helps you stand out from other waitlist candidates. It will also ensure that you are academically engaged and ready for the challenges in the school.
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Express your Desire for Harvard
Our experts say it does help move the needle if an applicant demonstrates their continued interest in their school and enthusiastically shows their passion via email (not to spam their inbox!). Mention your interest in a way that can prove you are an asset to their school. Emphasize your new accomplishment, the courses and activities you wish to participate in, what sets you apart from other waitlisted candidates, and any additional information that can communicate your interest. Here what is important to note is not send an email just describing your interest/love for the school- you need to showcase how you can truly be the best fit.
This will give them proof of your personal and academic fronts. Also, top schools want to admit students who will accept their offers quickly, so an email can give you this advantage.
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Act Patiently and Flexibly
After all these steps, the only option is to wait patiently and act flexibly when the time comes. Don’t spoil your time by calling them daily regarding the wait list; instead, utilize this precious time to invest in your career.
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Be Prepared if you get Selected.
We know this will be a dream come true for you, but as we suggested, deposit fees in other listed colleges, you and your family must be ready in advance to forfeit the deposit and take their final call considering all the financial, location, and other factors regarding Harvard.
We have tried to cover all the steps to give you the best chance. We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week where we match you with students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. The experts will dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.
