We get it – your Big City Big Dreams moment has been waitlisted, and you’re feeling bummed out. NYU has gotten increasingly competitive over the last decade and shows no signs of slowing down, and the increased demand means less spots for tons of deserving kids. Getting waitlisted doesn’t mean you’re out of contention, and there are things you can do to to help you get off the waitlist and into Washington Square Park.
NYU hasn’t published waitlist data in the past few years, but they do have a pretty sizeable FAQ page about their process. What we know from experience is that NYU does regularly accept students off the waitlist, and often offers waitlist students other paths to admission, whether that’s joining less popular programs, doing their first year abroad, or switching majors altogether. The best way to get off the waitlist is to convince NYU that if you’re accepted, you will attend, and we’ve got tips to help you do just that.
Step One: Accept Your Spot
If you want to actually get off the waitlist, you first have to accept your spot on said waitlist. NYU assumes you are going somewhere else and do not care about them if you skip this step, which in turn makes this whole post moot for you. So, accept your spot in the portal and come back here for more advice.
Step Two: Secure Other Plans
Once you’ve accepted your spot on NYU’s waitlist, the next step is to secure a backup plan at a school where you’ve already been admitted. Getting off a waitlist is never a guarantee (but not impossible with the help of some plucky college counselors – hint hint), so you want to make sure your bases are covered. To keep your options open, place a deposit at a school you’d be happy to attend. If you end up accepted at NYU, you’ll forfeit the deposit, but if you don’t get off the waitlist, you’ll still end up in college!
Step Three: Update NYU
Once you tell NYU you’re interested in staying on the waitlist, you will fill out a form on their portal to signal further interest. This is where you’ll submit a letter of continued interest, or LOCI, that gives them a brief update on what you’ve been up to since applying. From NYU:
“The only thing we ask of our applicants is to respond to our waitlist offer online by the date outlined in your waitlist offer letter. You should not submit any new letters of recommendation, writing samples, resumes, certificates, DVDs, CDs, photos, or additional information. Please do not ask anyone to write you an additional letter of recommendation or ask that anyone calls to advocate on your behalf.
You can update us on any new accomplishments and/or relay your level of interest in NYU by way of our Waitlist Response Form online, but you should not submit any new materials whatsoever.”
This means that all they will accept from you is this brief update. They don’t want lots of other stuff! They want meaningful things like your level of interest and your accomplishments, which leads us directly to exactly what you need for this letter.
Schools like NYU care deeply about their yield rate – aka the number of admitted students who end up enrolling. This letter is a place for you to convince NYU that you will contribute positively to that yield rate. Let’s get into it.
Opening
Start with a polished, professional greeting, like “Dear Admissions Committee.” This is a formal business letter, not a casual email or a text to a friend. Setting the right tone from the very first line shows respect for the process and makes a strong first impression.
Reinforce Interest
NYU knows you’re interested, but now’s the time to make it undeniably clear that it’s your top choice. In just a few sentences, state your enthusiasm and commitment outright. Be bold: if you get an offer, you’re saying yes, no hesitation. Skip the vague enthusiasm and get straight to the point.
Update
Now, let NYU know what you’ve been up to since you applied. Pick up to three standout accomplishments – things that show growth, leadership, or passion. Maybe you took on a major leadership role, won an award, completed a research project, or secured a summer internship. Whatever it is, make sure it adds something new to your application. Don’t just list everything you’ve done, you don’t have the space, so focus on the highlights.
Closing
End with a sentence or two that reaffirms your excitement for NYU and connect to something specific. Think a specific class, professor, a unique program, or NYU’s global campuses. Keep it short, polished, and confident. Then, sign off professionally with something like “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”
Step Four: Wait
You’ll want to get this done sooner rather than later—waiting too long could hurt your chances. Also, be sure to have your school counselor send your most updated grades. One important note: NYU does not allow additional letters of recommendation or any extra materials of any kind, so resist the urge to send them extra stuff.
Now, we wait. We know it’s frustrating, but decisions can come as early as May or as late as July. Whatever you do, do not flood NYU’s admissions office with emails or calls asking for updates. It won’t help.
Best of luck!
If you’re on a waitlist and feeling anxious, we can help! Please reach out to us today if you need help with your waitlist letter.