You're on a waiting list. What's next?

You've waited for months for an admissions decision, and then you find out that's it's neither a yes or a no.  You've been put on a waiting list.  We like to say that is kind of like being in purgatory because you're neither in nor out. You're in limbo.

You can decide to remain on the waiting list, or you can decide to move on to your other options. After the sting and frustration wears off, you need to consider whether or not you truly want to attend that school.  If you still feel strongly about it, then by all means, ask the school to keep you on their list, but don't just leave it at that.  Make an appointment with your college counselor to see if there is anything else you can do.  The two of you can develop a new plan that might include a personal letter from you to your admissions counselor, an extra phone call or email from your college counselor, or perhaps even another campus visit.

Now that you have that plan in place, it's time to look at your other options.  There is a very strong chance you will not hear back until after the Common Reply Date of May 1, so you will have to accept another offer,  Yes, that means you may lose the deposit you put down, so you and your parents need to consider that carefully.  

Another option is to just move on with your life.  Perhaps it would be better if you turned your attention and energy toward a school that accepted you.  That way you can go ahead and find your roommate, schedule your classes, and begin your new life as a college freshman.  If you choose this path, don't look back. Don't wonder what if.  Just make the most of the opportunities that are waiting for you.

Something tells me you won't be sorry.