Mission: Accepted! U.S. College Admissions Insights
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Waitlisted at the
University of California?
What to Do Now
May 6, 2025
The University of California (UC) system is among the most popular university systems, consistently leading in application numbers nationwide (and globally). In the Fall 2025 admissions cycle alone, the nine undergraduate UC campuses received nearly 250,000 applications. While many students already have committed to their preferred UC, others find themselves with waitlist offers.
Being placed on a waitlist is not a rejection—it’s a recognition of your qualifications. If you were waitlisted, it means the university saw you as a strong, competitive applicant. The reality is that UC campuses simply don’t have space to admit every qualified student, especially given the overwhelming number of applications they receive each year.
Let's break down what happens next, how waitlist decisions are made, and the do's and don'ts of navigating the process. We will also share key statistics to help you gauge your realistic chances of getting off the waitlist so you can better manage this uncertain period.
3 Waitlist Myths
Myth 1: The waitlist is ranked.
Reality: No, it is not ranked.
Myth 2: You can send a letter of continued interest or additional letters of recommendation to improve your chances.
Reality: No, UC campuses do not accept additional materials, except UCLA's brief optional update.
Myth 3: You should call the admissions office to learn about your waitlist status or improve your admission odds.
Reality: No, calling admissions will not affect or clarify your waitlist status.
How Waitlist Decisions Are Made
UC campuses don't pick waitlisted students randomly. Instead, the admissions office aims to balance campus-specific enrollment goals. Here's what UC campuses typically consider:
Major-specific needs
Campuses admit students off the waitlist based on how many spots remain unfilled in specific majors.
High school and geographic representation
To maintain a diverse student body, campuses sometimes pull students from specific schools or underrepresented regions.
Demographic diversity
Factors such as socioeconomic background, first-generation status, and underrepresented groups can influence admissions from the waitlist.
Institutional priorities
Factors like in-state versus out-of-state status and financial considerations can also influence who gets selected from the waitlist.
In short, admissions from the waitlist depend heavily on each campus's unique needs, making the process unpredictable and not something you can directly influence.
Last Year's UC Waitlist Data
Last year's waitlist statistics offer valuable insight into what we can expect this cycle. To help you better understand your chances of coming off the waitlist, I compiled the last year's waitlist data that was published at the 2024 UC Counselor Conference.
For most UC campuses, the 2024-25 waitlist acceptance rate was roughly in line with their overall admit rate. However, there are two major exceptions: UC Berkeley, where only a handful of students—just 26—were admitted from the waitlist. On the other end of the spectrum is UC Santa Barbara, where the waitlist admit rate (82%) was significantly higher than their overall acceptance rate (33%). However, the general trend is clear: students have significantly better odds of admission from the waitlist at mid-tier UCs than at the most selective ones.
Takeaway
If you are currently on a UC waitlist, use this data to set realistic expectations. Always commit to a college where you have been admitted, and view the waitlist as a hopeful but uncertain backup.
Timeline for Waitlist Decisions
If you opted in to stay on the waitlist, when will you hear back?
Typically, UC campuses start releasing waitlist admissions shortly after May 1 (the deadline to submit one's 'Statement of Intent to Register'). Once the SIR deadline passes, each campus knows how many accepted students declined, and they begin admitting off the waitlist in rolling waves. In practice, campuses notify waitlisted students of admission offers anytime in May or June. Historically, all waitlist decisions are usually finalized by late June.
Every campus moves at its own pace, so some may respond earlier (even early May) while others continue into June. But if you haven't heard by early July, chances of admission are very small. In the meantime, keep an eye on your email/portal and be patient.
Letters of Continued Interest
Generally, UC campuses do not accept Letters of Continued Interest (LoCI). They explicitly state that any additional materials, such as letters of continued interest or essays, will not be considered.
The UCLA Exception
UCLA is the only campus that allows a brief, optional update via its portal. If you choose to provide an update at UCLA:
Explain any significant accomplishments or updates since your application (awards, improved grades, etc.).
Emphasize why UCLA remains your top choice and how you will positively contribute to the campus community.
Keep it concise and focused—typically no more than one paragraph or 200-300 words.
The deadline to submit your updates along with your waitlist opt-in was April 15.
Official UCLA Waitlist Instructions
Official UCLA Waitlist Instructions
No extra documents or letters
UCLA's admissions website explicitly states that they cannot accept additional materials (including letters of recommendation) and that they will not be reviewed if sent. This means you cannot email or mail a separate LOCI or letters of recommendation; only the designated waitlist update field in the portal is allowed.
Use the Waitlist Option form in the portal
UCLA provides a text box on the My Application Status (Bruins Admissions) portal called the "Waitlist Option ." This is the only place to submit updates or a LOCI. Waitlisted applicants should log into the UCLA portal and enter any new accomplishments, grades, or explanatory updates.
No official prompt or word limit
UCLA does not publish a specific prompt or essay question for a LOCI. The Waitlist Option form simply offers a blank field for "updates and additional information." There is no stated word count or character limit; however, we suggest keeping responses concise and relevant. In practice, many students treat this like a short letter or addendum.
Deadlines
First-year applicants had to opt into the waitlist by April 15. This was also the final day to revise your Waitlist Option form: UCLA explicitly notes that "changes to the Waitlist Option form can be made until April 15, after which no further changes will be accepted." admission.ucla.edu. In other words, submit your LOCI/updates well before April 15. After the deadline, the admissions office will make decisions once space is available.
Tips for a Strong UCLA LoCI
Tips for a Strong UCLA LoCI
Highlight substantive updates
Use the LoCI to report new achievements or improvements since you applied – for example, higher grades in spring classes, new awards, leadership roles, or completed projects. UCLA's readers use a holistic review and specifically look for "strong academic performance" and "special talents, awards or accomplishments." Listing recent honors, accelerated coursework (AP/IB scores, college courses), or major progress on long-term projects shows continued excellence. Keep descriptions factual and focused on how you have grown or excelled.
Emphasize UCLA-valued qualities
Frame your updates to reflect traits UCLA cares about. Official materials stress that UCLA seeks applicants with "intellectual curiosity, tenacity, and commitment to community service", as well as those whose "personal stories and rich experience bring the perspective and leadership that we value." For example, if you started a new community service project or led an academic team, highlight the impact and what you learned. These concrete examples of leadership, service, or creativity align with UCLA's selection criteria. Likewise, describe your intellectual growth if you pursued a challenging independent study or research. (Avoid vague statements – focus on specific results or recognitions.)
Connect to fit
You may briefly explain how your goals align with UCLA's programs (for example, mentioning a particular research area, course, or campus resource), but remember that UCLA does not reward 'demonstrated interest.' If you note UCLA by name, frame it in terms of mutual fit – e.g., "Given my experience in environmental science, I'm excited about UCLA's sustainability research opportunities"—rather than generic praise. Emphasize how your demonstrated accomplishments would enable you to contribute to campus (academically or through leadership), not just how much you want to attend.
Be concise and genuine
The LoCI should be brief (a paragraph or two). Stay professional and grateful – you might open by thanking the committee for continued consideration. Then, quickly move into your updates. Avoid repeating information already in your application (like old grades or activities) unless you have made a significant new impact since submitting your application. Since there is no strict word limit, err on the side of clarity and brevity. After drafting, proofread carefully for errors.
Demonstrated interest and other materials
Remember that UCLA explicitly states it will not consider level of interest and will not accept supplemental letters or materials. This means you should not send thank-you notes, separate letters, or recommendations after applying. The 'Waitlist Option' field is your sole chance to communicate. Even if tempted to express how much you love UCLA, keep that brief. Instead, let your concrete updates speak for your fit and potential.
Focus on UCLA's Criteria
UCLA's published admissions review criteria emphasize academic rigor, achievement, and personal qualities like leadership and intellectual curiosityadmission. Use these insights to guide which updates and details you include in your LOCI.
Advice for Waitlisted Students
Being waitlisted can be stressful. Remember that there is no guarantee of getting off the waitlist, so have a plan B. Here are some more tips for students in this situation:
Meet all academic requirements
Keep your grades up through the end of senior year. If you come off the waitlist, the campus will verify that your final grades match or exceed what you reported. All grades in A-G subjects must be a minimum of a 'C' and you must meet the minimum GPA of 3.0 (California residents) or 3.4 for out-of-state and international students. Finish your senior year strong – your final grades matter.
Accept a backup offer
While it is okay to hope for good news from a UC waitlist, make sure you commit to a college where you have already been admitted. Embrace the offer you have because the waitlist may or may not materialize. Love the school that loves you.
Stay positive and focused on what's next
It helps to shift your excitement to the school that you committed to. Explore their programs and communities now, rather than dwelling on the waitlist. Remember that getting off the waitlist is primarily up to the campus's needs, not anything you can change.
Use your support networks
Talk with your school counselors, family, or mentors about your plans. They can help you weigh your options or look into transfer pathways.
Consider transfer options
If attending a UC remains your top goal, remember you can always enroll elsewhere (or at community college) and apply to transfer later. In fact, transfer admission rates are generally higher than freshman admit rates.
Transfer from Community College
Transferring from a California community college to a UC campus remains a viable and often successful pathway for students seeking a four-year degree. In recent years, approximately 75% of California community college (CCC) students who applied to UC campuses were admitted to at least one campus. Admit rates for transfer students can be significantly higher than for first-year applicants. Some community colleges have higher acceptance rates to specific UC campuses; for instance, Laney College and College of Marin have seen UC Berkeley acceptance rates of approximately 40%.
Programs like the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) offer CCC students a secured spot at six UC campuses, provided the students meet specific criteria. These TAG campuses are UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz.
Overall, the UC system prioritizes transfers from a California community college over transfers from other 4-year institutions. This makes transferring from a CCC a strategic option for students aiming to complete their bachelor's degrees at a UC campus.
Got off the Waitlist?
As soon as you are admitted from a UC waitlist, secure your spot at the new campus first: submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) in the portal, double‑check your financial aid, apply for housing, and sign up for orientation.
Once you receive confirmation emails and see the new SIR reflected in your portal, log back into your original (backup) college portal and follow the "Withdraw SIR" instructions to cancel your previous commitment. These instructions are usually found in the FAQ or Help section. Alternatively, you can directly reach out to the admissions office to withdraw your SIR. This sequence protects your enrollment while promptly freeing a seat for another waitlisted student at your previously committed college.
Conclusion
Being on a waitlist can feel like standing in limbo—one foot in your current plans and one foot in a dream that may or may not materialize. While it is natural to hold onto hope, the healthiest approach is to fully embrace the college that has already welcomed you with open arms.
Remember that your college experience is what you make of it. Students thrive at all types of institutions—not just their "dream schools." The opportunities you seize, the relationships you build, and the initiative you take will shape your undergraduate years far more than the name on your diploma.
If you're currently balancing waitlist hopes with a confirmed acceptance:
Start visualizing yourself at your committed college—join admitted student groups, connect with future classmates, and explore academic programs that excite you.
Attend orientation sessions with enthusiasm and an open mind.
Begin researching clubs, research opportunities, and campus resources that align with your interests.
Love the school that loves you!
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