What does being placed on the Wait List mean?
As an admissions committee, we believe that you have the potential to succeed at Colby. However, due to the competitive nature of this year’s applicant pool and our need to carefully manage the number of students enrolling in the Class of 2016, we are unable to admit all qualified candidates. It is our intention to admit students from the Wait List provided we have space available after we have heard from the students who were initially offered admission.
How many people are on the Wait List?
We won’t know how many students are on the Wait List until we hear back from the students to whom we have offered the waiting list option. We expect that about 300 will be active on the Wait List, based on the numbers in recent years.
Is the Wait List ranked?
No, the list is not ranked. Once we know which students are still interested in being considered, we will evaluate all of them based on the overall strength of their applications and on the interest they have shown in Colby.
If I decide to remain on the Wait List, will I be considered for midyear admission, as well as in the fall?
Yes. We anticipate enrolling approximately 40 new students on campus in January 2013. We will consider all eligible Wait List candidates for any available places at midyear. These students will be admitted to Colby’s fall semester programs in Salamanca, Spain or Dijon, France.
What is the likelihood of being admitted from the Wait List?
It is impossible to predict. It is our goal each year to admit students from the Wait List to achieve our enrollment target, rather than to exceed that target with our initial offers of admission. Last year we were able to enroll 17 students from the Wait List; in the prior three years we enrolled 11, 16 and 38 students. In some years we have been able to admit students from the Wait List into our January group only.
What other materials should I send?
First, return the reply form no later than April 21. Second, write a letter (or e-mail) emphasizing your interest in Colby. Last, send any new academic information such as updated grades, and any new information about academic or extracurricular accomplishments.
Is it worthwhile to come to campus for an interview or to have a second interview? What about an interview with an alumni volunteer?
Interviews are not offered to Wait List candidates.
Will housing or course selection be affected?
No. Housing assignments and course selection will be done over the summer and students admitted from the Wait List will be treated like all other enrolling students.
What if I have to deposit at another school by May 1?
You should reserve your place at an alternate choice college by making a deposit there by May 1st as it is unlikely that we will be able to determine the size of our incoming class before that date. As soon as we can, we will notify students on our Wait List if there are additional spaces for the fall semester. If you are admitted from our Wait List and choose to enroll at Colby, you will forfeit your deposit at the other college.
If I know of someone who is not accepting an offer of admission to Colby, may I have that spot?
Unfortunately, the process doesn’t work that way. Each year we admit more students than we expect will enroll since we know that many students will have lots of college choices.
If I am admitted from the Wait List, will I still be able to get financial aid?
Being placed on the Wait List will have no effect on your financial aid package. If you are admitted and you qualify for need-based aid, you will receive a financial aid award that meets your full calculated need.
When will I hear whether or not I am admitted from the Wait List?
If there is room for us to admit additional students for the fall semester, we will notify those students, by telephone or e-mail, in late April or early May. If we contact you and you are interested in considering a formal offer of admission, we will send a letter of admission. There may be additional offers of admission made throughout the month of May. By early June, we hope to have provided final decisions to all Wait List candidates.
