Being placed on a college waitlist can feel uncertain and frustrating. This toolkit provides clear, expert guidance to help you respond strategically and stay organized during the final stage of the admissions process.
 
Created by Dr. Leah Beasley and the Beasley College Consulting team, this resource explains what being waitlisted really means, how colleges use waitlists, and what actions may strengthen your chances if spaces become available.
 
You’ll learn how to write a thoughtful Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI), what types of updates may be appropriate to share with admissions offices, and how to navigate the waitlist process while making confident decisions about your college options.
 
These strategies reflect the same approach used by our consulting team, which includes former admissions officers and college counseling experts with decades of experience guiding students through selective college admissions.
 
Perfect For
Seniors who have been waitlisted and want clear guidance on what to do next
Students who want help writing a strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
Families who want to better understand how college waitlists work
Students who want to stay proactive while preparing for final college decisions
 
Includes
Waitlisted…Now What? — Understanding what being waitlisted means and how colleges manage waitlists
LOCI Email Template & Strong Examples (Waitlist Version) — A clear framework for writing a professional waitlist update, along with several samples 
When to Send Waitlist Updates (Bonus Guide) — Strategic timing for LOCIs and additional communication with colleges
 
Being waitlisted means the college believes you are a strong applicant, but they do not yet know how many admitted students will enroll.
 
With the right strategy, communication, and updates, you can reinforce your interest while preparing thoughtfully for the next steps in your college journey.