I wanted to share insights into the University of California (UC) waitlist process to help families manage expectations.
UC Waitlists Usage: All UC campuses, except UC Merced, utilize waitlists as part of their admissions process. This system acts as a buffer to manage the number of students who accept their offers of admission, allowing UCs to maintain full incoming classes.
Acceptance from Waitlist: The likelihood of getting off the waitlist varies significantly across different campuses and from year to year. For instance, UCLA admitted 12% of waitlisted students for the fall 2023 class, a notable increase from 3% in 2022. UC Berkeley also saw a substantial rise, from under 1% in 2022 to 24% in 2023.
Process Timing: Students on waitlists will typically find out if they are accepted in late spring or summer, after regular admissions decisions are released. Most waitlist updates do not occur until after May 15
Admission Strategy: The UCs fill vacancies from the waitlist based on specific needs within their incoming class, such as academic major preferences. This means opportunities to get off the waitlist are highly dependent on how the needs of the campus align with the profiles of students on the waitlist.
Waitlist Opt-In: Some UCs allow students to submit a brief statement indicating their interest in the school and any new achievements since their initial application. This option, however, is not available at all campuses.
Understanding these aspects can help manage expectations and planning for students navigating the admissions process.