Next, write a letter to admissions office immediately after receiving notice of being wait listed. Dr. Robert J. Massa, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Life at Dickinson College in Carlisle, suggest student write a letter to Director of Admissions explaining exactly why they believe college is best for them. The applicant should ?outline why they think college is perfect match for them -their learning style, their style of interaction, and their educational objectives. Show that they know college and that they know themselves. Tell admissions director why college will be a better place if they were there. If there is an opening, and student does this, they will stand a better chance of getting in."

Most importantly, don?t take final decision as a personal insult. Colleges differ in how they take students from wait list for admission. Sabena B. Moretz, Associate Director of Admission at University of Richmond, explains, "Some will admit student who calls them every day because they believe that student is most likely to enroll. Others admit student athletes, star musicians or students with particular personal qualities that school needs.?

Instead, play cards that are dealt. Help your child prepare for second choice school. It can?t hurt to stay on a wait list, but if you're son or daughter is waitlisted at one institution, odds are great they?ve been accepted somewhere very similar. Allow yourself and your child to become excited about where they've been accepted. No matter outcome, college selection process should remain a positive experience.