Hi guys! I was waitlisted at UC Berkeley, and I'm trying to figure out my next steps. Does anyone know how many people usually get accepted off their waitlist or if the waitlist is ranked in any way?
|1 answer
Getting off UC Berkeley's waitlist depends largely on the specific admissions cycle and how many admitted students choose to enroll. Typically, Berkeley admits anywhere from 0% to 7% of waitlisted students, though these numbers can vary significantly year to year. The waitlist is not ranked, and Berkeley reviews each waitlisted candidate holistically if spots become available after the initial commitment deadline.
Berkeley's waitlist acceptance rate fluctuates based on yield rates - the percentage of admitted students who choose to attend. When fewer admitted students commit to Berkeley, more spots open for waitlisted applicants. For example, in recent years Berkeley has admitted anywhere from just a handful to several hundred students from their waitlist, demonstrating how variable the process can be.
Your best strategy as a waitlisted applicant is to submit a compelling waitlist opt-in form if Berkeley requires one. Use this opportunity to update the admissions office about any new achievements, awards, or improved grades since your initial application. However, you should also accept an offer from another university and submit a deposit before the universal reply date, as waitlist admission is never guaranteed.
The timeline for waitlist decisions typically extends from May through July, though some students might hear back as late as August. Berkeley will notify you whether you're admitted or not once they've made a final decision. Keep in mind that if you're admitted from the waitlist, you'll likely have only a few days to decide whether to accept the offer, so it's wise to think through this decision in advance.
Post an answer to this question to help other readers