Getting waitlisted at your top choice school can feel like being stuck in a holding pattern. You want to move forward but cannot yet celebrate an acceptance or process a rejection. This limbo state leaves many students wondering what their next steps should be.
The good news is that a waitlist decision is still an opportunity. With a thoughtful letter of intent, you can restate your interest and provide new information that might tip the scales in your favor. Read on to find 15 examples that could help strengthen your case and potentially turn that waitlist into an acceptance.
Sample Letters of Intent after Waitlist
These 15 letters showcase different approaches to responding to a waitlist decision.
1. Medical School Waitlist Response
Subject: Letter of Intent – Michael Chen (Applicant ID: MC789456)
April 11, 2025
Dr. Sarah Johnson
Dean of Admissions
Stanford School of Medicine
291 Campus Drive
Stanford, CA 94305
Dear Dr. Johnson,
I am writing to express my continued strong interest in attending Stanford School of Medicine following my placement on the waitlist. Since submitting my application, I have achieved several professional milestones that further align with Stanford’s mission of advancing health through research and clinical excellence.
This past winter, my research on biomarkers for early Alzheimer’s detection was accepted for publication in the Journal of Neurological Sciences. Additionally, I have completed 150 more volunteer hours at City Hospital’s emergency department, strengthening my clinical exposure and commitment to patient care.
My conversations with current students, particularly with Alex Wong during my interview day, reinforced my belief that Stanford’s approach to medical education—combining rigorous academics with early clinical exposure—perfectly matches my learning style and career goals.
The school’s dedication to health equity through community outreach programs also resonates deeply with my personal mission to serve underrepresented communities, as demonstrated by my work at the Eastside Free Clinic.
Stanford remains my first choice for medical school, and I am prepared to accept an offer of admission immediately if granted this opportunity. I am excited about the possibility of bringing my passion for neuroscience and community health to your incoming class.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the possibility of joining the Stanford medical community this fall.
Sincerely,
Michael Chen
555-123-4567
mchen@email.com
2. Undergraduate Waitlist Appeal
Subject: Letter of Intent – Emma Rodriguez (Application #ER20251028)
April 11, 2025
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
New York University
383 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003
To the NYU Admissions Committee,
Thank you for considering my application to New York University and placing me on the waitlist for the Class of 2029. I am writing to express that NYU remains my top choice, and I would accept an offer of admission without hesitation if given the opportunity.
Since submitting my application in November, several developments make me an even stronger candidate for NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. My short film “Urban Shadows” won first place at the State Youth Film Festival, giving me the chance to work with professional filmmakers on a new project this summer.
My grades have also stayed strong during senior year, with straight A’s in my Advanced Placement courses, including AP Film Studies where I earned the highest score on our final analysis project.
During my campus visit, I was struck by the collaborative energy among students from different artistic backgrounds. A conversation with Professor Martinez about experimental storytelling techniques confirmed that NYU’s approach to film education aligns perfectly with my creative goals.
The university’s location in New York City offers unparalleled access to the film industry, museums, and cultural diversity that would enrich my learning experience in ways no other school can match.
I hope you will consider my updated achievements and sincere interest in NYU as you review your waitlist. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Emma Rodriguez
emma.rodriguez@email.com
212-555-7890
3. MBA Program Waitlist Follow-Up
Subject: Letter of Intent – James Wilson (Application ID: JW2025MBA)
April 11, 2025
MBA Admissions Committee
Harvard Business School
Dillon House
Boston, MA 02163
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reaffirm my commitment to Harvard Business School following my waitlist notification. HBS remains my first choice for pursuing my MBA, and I would accept an offer immediately if admitted.
Since my application, I have taken significant steps to strengthen my candidacy. I earned a promotion to Senior Financial Analyst at Goldman Sachs, where I now lead a team of four analysts handling major client portfolios. This leadership role has sharpened my strategic thinking and team management abilities—skills I look forward to developing further at HBS.
I have also completed a data analytics certification from MIT, addressing the quantitative skills gap I discussed during my interview. This training has already allowed me to implement new financial modeling techniques that increased our department’s efficiency by 22%.
My recent volunteer work as a financial literacy coach for low-income entrepreneurs connects directly to my post-MBA goals of creating financial technology solutions for underserved small business owners. This experience has deepened my understanding of the practical challenges these business owners face.
After speaking with alumni James Peterson and Sarah Goldstein, I am even more convinced that HBS’s case method and emphasis on responsible leadership align perfectly with my learning style and professional values.
Thank you for your continued consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to the HBS community this fall.
Best regards,
James Wilson
james.wilson@email.com
617-555-3210
4. Law School Waitlist Letter
Subject: Letter of Intent – Sophia Washington (LSAC #L87654321)
April 11, 2025
Admissions Committee
Yale Law School
P.O. Box 208215
New Haven, CT 06520
Dear Admissions Committee Members,
I write to express my continued interest in Yale Law School after being placed on the waitlist. Yale remains my absolute first choice, and I would accept an offer of admission without hesitation.
Since submitting my application, I have secured a research assistant position with Professor Daniela Martinez at my undergraduate institution, focusing on constitutional law and its intersection with emerging technology policy. This experience has strengthened my analytical skills and deepened my passion for studying law in a setting that values theoretical frameworks alongside practical applications.
My senior thesis on privacy rights in the digital age was awarded departmental honors and has been accepted for publication in our university’s law review journal. This project allowed me to engage with complex legal questions that I hope to explore further during law school.
The clinical opportunities at Yale, particularly the Media Freedom and Information Access Clinic, perfectly align with my interest in information law and policy. Conversations with current student Jason Lin confirmed that Yale’s collaborative academic environment would provide the ideal setting for my legal education.
My commitment to public service continues through my work with the Immigrant Rights Project, where I now coordinate our community outreach program. This experience has reinforced my goal to pursue a legal career addressing systemic inequities.
I appreciate your consideration and would welcome any opportunity to provide additional information about my candidacy.
With sincere thanks,
Sophia Washington
sophia.w@email.com
203-555-8976
5. Computer Science Graduate Program Response
Subject: Letter of Intent – David Park (Application #DP2025CS)
April 11, 2025
Graduate Admissions Committee
Computer Science Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Dear Admissions Committee,
Thank you for considering my application to MIT’s Computer Science graduate program and placing me on the waitlist. I am writing to confirm that MIT remains my top choice, and I would immediately accept an offer of admission if selected from the waitlist.
I have made significant strides in my research since applying. My paper on neural network optimization techniques was accepted at the International Conference on Machine Learning, addressing the research gap we discussed during my interview. Working with Professor Zhang at my current institution has also resulted in a patent application for our algorithm that reduces training time for large language models by 35%.
Professionally, I completed a six-month project at Google’s AI research team, applying theoretical concepts to real-world problems in computer vision. This experience reinforced my desire to pursue graduate studies where cutting-edge research directly impacts technological advancement.
My visit to MIT’s CSAIL lab and conversations with Dr. Lee about her work in explainable AI solidified my belief that MIT provides the ideal environment for my research interests. The collaborative atmosphere and interdisciplinary approach would challenge me to expand my thinking beyond traditional computer science boundaries.
I have also been volunteering as a coding instructor for high school students from underrepresented groups, an experience that has strengthened my commitment to making technology more accessible and inclusive.
Thank you for your continued consideration. I hope to have the opportunity to contribute to MIT’s computer science community.
Respectfully,
David Park
david.park@email.com
617-555-1234
6. Nursing Program Waitlist Response
Subject: Letter of Intent – Jasmine Taylor (Application ID: JT2025BSN)
April 11, 2025
Nursing Program Admissions
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
525 N. Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
Dear Nursing Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my continued interest in the Johns Hopkins BSN program following my waitlist notification. Johns Hopkins remains my top choice for nursing education, and I would accept an offer of admission without hesitation if selected from the waitlist.
Since submitting my application, I have gained valuable healthcare experience as a patient care technician at Memorial Hospital, working 20 hours weekly while maintaining a 3.9 GPA in my final semester of prerequisite courses. This hands-on role has strengthened my clinical skills and deepened my understanding of patient-centered care.
I recently completed a Certified Nursing Assistant program with a perfect score on both written and practical examinations. This certification has allowed me to take on additional responsibilities in my current role, including basic wound care and patient monitoring.
My volunteer work with the Community Health Outreach Program has given me insight into the healthcare challenges facing underserved populations. This experience connects directly to Johns Hopkins’ commitment to addressing health disparities, a mission that strongly influenced my decision to apply.
After speaking with current student Maria Johnson during my campus visit, I was particularly impressed by the simulation labs and clinical placement opportunities that would prepare me for the type of acute care nursing career I hope to pursue.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the possibility of beginning my nursing career at Johns Hopkins.
Warm regards,
Jasmine Taylor
jasmine.taylor@email.com
410-555-9876
7. Fine Arts Program Waitlist Letter
Subject: Letter of Intent – Noah Kim (Application #NK2025FA)
April 11, 2025
Graduate Admissions Committee
Rhode Island School of Design
2 College Street
Providence, RI 02903
Dear RISD Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my continued interest in the MFA Painting program at RISD following my placement on the waitlist. RISD remains my first choice for graduate studies, and I would accept an offer of admission immediately if given the opportunity.
Since my application, my artistic practice has evolved significantly. My solo exhibition “Boundaries” at the Local Arts Gallery received positive reviews from regional critics, with the Boston Arts Review calling my work “thoughtfully constructed with surprising emotional depth.” I have included digital images of these new pieces as attachments to this email.
I recently completed a residency at the Mountain View Artists Colony, where I explored new techniques combining traditional oil painting with digital elements—an approach I am eager to develop further in RISD’s interdisciplinary environment.
My teaching experience has also expanded through leading community workshops for adult learners at the City Arts Center. This role has strengthened my ability to articulate artistic concepts and provide constructive feedback—skills I hope to both contribute to and refine within RISD’s collaborative studio culture.
During my campus visit, I was particularly drawn to the program’s emphasis on conceptual development alongside technical mastery. Conversations with Professor Garcia about her experimental approach to materials reinforced my belief that RISD would push my practice in exciting new directions.
Thank you for your continued consideration. I remain hopeful about the possibility of joining RISD’s vibrant artistic community this fall.
Sincerely,
Noah Kim
noah.kim@email.com
401-555-6543
8. Engineering Program Waitlist Response
Subject: Letter of Intent – Aisha Patel (Applicant ID: AP20250357)
April 11, 2025
Engineering Admissions Committee
Georgia Institute of Technology
225 North Avenue NW
Atlanta, GA 30332
Dear Engineering Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in Georgia Tech’s Mechanical Engineering program following my placement on the waitlist. Georgia Tech remains my top choice, and I would accept an offer of admission without hesitation if selected from the waitlist.
Since submitting my application, I have continued to strengthen my technical foundation and leadership skills. My senior design project—a solar-powered water filtration system for rural communities—won first place at the State Engineering Fair. This project combined my interest in sustainable energy with practical engineering solutions, areas I hope to explore further at Georgia Tech.
My academic performance has remained strong, with A’s in Advanced Calculus and Thermodynamics this semester. I have also completed an online course in MATLAB programming to build skills directly applicable to first-year engineering coursework.
As captain of our school’s robotics team, I led our group to the regional finals for the first time in our school’s history. This experience enhanced my teamwork and problem-solving abilities—qualities I would bring to collaborative projects at Georgia Tech.
After visiting campus and speaking with Dr. Thomas about the Sustainable Systems Lab, I became even more convinced that Georgia Tech offers the perfect combination of rigorous academics and hands-on learning opportunities for my engineering education.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to Georgia Tech’s engineering community.
Respectfully,
Aisha Patel
aisha.patel@email.com
404-555-7890
9. Psychology Graduate Program Letter
Subject: Letter of Intent – Marcus Johnson (Application #MJ2025PSY)
April 11, 2025
Graduate Admissions Committee
Department of Psychology
University of Michigan
530 Church Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Dear Psychology Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my continued strong interest in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Michigan following my placement on the waitlist. Michigan remains my first choice for doctoral studies, and I would accept an offer of admission immediately if selected from the waitlist.
Since submitting my application, I have made significant progress in my research on cognitive behavioral interventions for adolescents with anxiety disorders. My manuscript on this topic has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Adolescent Psychology, addressing the research interests I discussed during my interview.
My clinical experience has expanded through a position as a research assistant in Dr. Williams’ lab at Northwestern University, where I help administer and score assessments for a longitudinal study on childhood trauma. This role has strengthened my assessment skills and deepened my understanding of developmental psychopathology.
I recently presented our findings at the Midwest Psychological Association conference, receiving valuable feedback that has shaped my thinking about future research directions—questions I hope to explore under the guidance of Dr. Rebecca Chen at Michigan.
After speaking with current student Alex Rodriguez about the program’s emphasis on both research rigor and clinical training, I am even more convinced that Michigan’s balanced approach aligns perfectly with my professional goals of becoming a researcher-practitioner.
Thank you for your continued consideration. I remain hopeful about the possibility of joining Michigan’s psychology community.
Sincerely,
Marcus Johnson
marcus.johnson@email.com
734-555-2109
10. Education Program Waitlist Response
Subject: Letter of Intent – Olivia Martinez (Application ID: OM2025EDU)
April 11, 2025
Admissions Committee
School of Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
525 W 120th Street
New York, NY 10027
Dear Admissions Committee,
Thank you for considering my application to the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Teaching program and placing me on the waitlist. I am writing to confirm that Teachers College remains my first choice, and I would accept an offer of admission without hesitation if selected from the waitlist.
Since applying, I have gained additional teaching experience that has strengthened my candidacy. I was selected to pilot an innovative literacy curriculum for English language learners at Lincoln Elementary School, where student reading scores improved by an average of 15% over one semester. This experience directly connects to my interest in TC’s literacy specialization.
I have also completed a 40-hour training in culturally responsive teaching practices, which has transformed my classroom approach and deepened my commitment to educational equity—a value that aligns perfectly with TC’s mission.
My leadership role has expanded as I now serve as grade-level chair, coordinating curriculum planning for five teachers and leading professional development sessions on differentiated instruction strategies.
After attending TC’s virtual information session and speaking with Professor Garcia about the Urban Education concentration, I am even more convinced that the program’s theoretical foundation and practical applications would perfectly support my goal of becoming an educational leader in diverse urban settings.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the possibility of joining the Teachers College community this fall.
With appreciation,
Olivia Martinez
olivia.martinez@email.com
212-555-3456
11. Public Health Program Waitlist Letter
Subject: Letter of Intent – Thomas Wilson (Application #TW2025MPH)
April 11, 2025
MPH Admissions Committee
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
677 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in Harvard’s MPH program following my placement on the waitlist. Harvard Chan remains my top choice for graduate studies in public health, and I would accept an offer of admission immediately if selected from the waitlist.
Since submitting my application, my public health experience has expanded significantly. I joined a COVID-19 contact tracing initiative with the County Health Department, where I helped develop protocols that increased our successful contact rate by 30%. This work deepened my understanding of disease surveillance and community engagement during public health emergencies.
I also contributed to a research project examining health disparities in vaccine access, resulting in a policy brief that was presented to state health officials. This experience strengthened my data analysis skills and passion for health equity—areas I hope to develop further at Harvard Chan.
My quantitative skills have improved through completion of advanced biostatistics coursework, addressing the area for growth mentioned during my interview. I earned an A in this course while continuing my full-time work in community health.
After speaking with alumna Dr. Maya Patel about Harvard’s field practice opportunities, I am even more convinced that the program’s combination of rigorous academics and real-world application would perfectly prepare me for a career addressing global health challenges.
Thank you for your continued consideration. I remain hopeful about the possibility of joining Harvard Chan’s public health community.
Respectfully,
Thomas Wilson
thomas.wilson@email.com
617-555-8901
12. Physical Therapy Program Response
Subject: Letter of Intent – Gabriela Santos (PTCAS ID: GS789012)
April 11, 2025
PT Program Admissions
Duke University School of Medicine
DUMC 3907
Durham, NC 27710
Dear Physical Therapy Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my continued interest in Duke’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program following my placement on the waitlist. Duke remains my first choice for PT education, and I would accept an offer of admission without hesitation if selected from the waitlist.
Since submitting my application, I have gained valuable clinical experience as a physical therapy aide at City Rehabilitation Center, accumulating over 400 additional observation hours across outpatient orthopedic and neurological settings. This experience has deepened my understanding of the PT profession and reinforced my passion for providing patient-centered care.
I recently completed a certification in therapeutic taping techniques, expanding my knowledge of adjunct treatments that support recovery from musculoskeletal injuries—an area I hope to explore further during Duke’s orthopedic clinical rotations.
My academic preparation has continued with an advanced kinesiology course this semester, where I maintained a 4.0 GPA while researching gait analysis technologies for my final project. This work connects directly to the movement analysis research conducted in Duke’s Motion Laboratory.
During my campus visit, I was particularly impressed by Duke’s emphasis on evidence-based practice and the integration of new technologies into traditional physical therapy approaches. These values align perfectly with my vision for my future practice.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the possibility of beginning my PT education at Duke.
Sincerely,
Gabriela Santos
gabriela.santos@email.com
919-555-6789
13. International Relations Program Waitlist Letter
Subject: Letter of Intent – Alexander Chen (Application #AC2025IR)
April 11, 2025
Graduate Admissions Committee
School of International and Public Affairs
Columbia University
420 West 118th Street
New York, NY 10027
Dear SIPA Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in Columbia’s Master of International Affairs program following my placement on the waitlist. SIPA remains my first choice for graduate studies, and I would accept an offer of admission without hesitation if selected from the waitlist.
Since submitting my application, my professional experience in international development has expanded through a new role coordinating cross-border education initiatives with the Asia Foundation. This position has strengthened my project management skills and deepened my understanding of the practical challenges in implementing development programs across cultural contexts.
I recently published an analysis of regional economic cooperation in Southeast Asia in the Asian Policy Review, building on the research interests I discussed during my interview. This publication reflects my commitment to rigorous policy analysis—a skill I hope to refine further at SIPA.
My language skills have also progressed, as I completed an intensive Thai language program to support my current work. This adds to my proficiency in Mandarin and English, preparing me for SIPA’s global perspective and diverse student body.
After attending SIPA’s virtual policy forum on climate change diplomacy and speaking with Professor Johnson about the International Security Policy concentration, I am even more convinced that Columbia offers the ideal combination of academic rigor and practical training for my career goals in transnational policy work.
Thank you for your continued consideration. I remain hopeful about the possibility of joining the SIPA community this fall.
Best regards,
Alexander Chen
alexander.chen@email.com
212-555-7890
14. Journalism Program Waitlist Response
Subject: Letter of Intent – Maya Johnson (Application ID: MJ2025JOURN)
April 11, 2025
Journalism Admissions Committee
Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism
1845 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
Dear Medill Admissions Committee,
I am writing to express my continued interest in Northwestern’s Master of Science in Journalism program following my placement on the waitlist. Medill remains my first choice for graduate studies, and I would accept an offer of admission immediately if selected from the waitlist.
Since submitting my application, my journalism portfolio has grown significantly. My investigative series on housing discrimination was published in The Daily Tribune, reaching over 50,000 readers and leading to a city council review of rental policies. This project strengthened my data journalism and long-form storytelling skills—areas I hope to develop further at Medill.
I recently won the Regional Press Association’s Emerging Journalist Award for my coverage of community responses to the pandemic, including multimedia elements that expanded the reach of these important stories.
My digital media skills have also advanced through a certificate program in audio storytelling, where I produced a three-episode podcast series highlighting local businesses owned by immigrant entrepreneurs. This experience reinforced my belief in journalism’s power to amplify diverse voices.
After speaking with current student Jordan Smith about Medill’s emphasis on both traditional reporting fundamentals and emerging media platforms, I am even more convinced that the program’s forward-thinking approach aligns perfectly with my professional goals.
Thank you for your consideration. I remain enthusiastic about the possibility of joining the Medill community this fall.
Sincerely,
Maya Johnson
maya.johnson@email.com
847-555-1234
15. Business Analytics Program Waitlist Letter
Subject: Letter of Intent – Daniel Rodriguez (Application #DR2025BA)
April 11, 2025
Graduate Admissions Committee
MIT Sloan School of Management
77 Massachusetts Avenue, E62-435
Cambridge, MA 02139
Dear Sloan Admissions Committee,
I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in MIT Sloan’s Master of Business Analytics program following my placement on the waitlist. MIT Sloan remains my top choice, and I would accept an offer of admission immediately if selected from the waitlist.
Since submitting my application, my analytics experience has expanded through a new role as a Data Analyst at TechFirm, where I lead projects using machine learning to optimize marketing strategies. My recent campaign analysis increased conversion rates by 28%, demonstrating the business impact of advanced analytics approaches.
I have strengthened my technical skills by completing advanced courses in Python programming and neural networks through the Data Science Academy, addressing the areas for growth mentioned during my interview. These skills complement my existing background in statistical analysis and data visualization.
My leadership experience has grown through founding an Analytics for Good initiative at my company, where we provide pro bono data analysis for local nonprofits. This work connects directly to MIT Sloan’s emphasis on using business analytics to create positive social impact.
After attending Sloan’s virtual analytics symposium and speaking with Professor Martinez about her research on predictive modeling for supply chain optimization, I am even more convinced that MIT offers the perfect blend of technical depth and business application for my career goals.
Thank you for your continued consideration. I remain hopeful about the possibility of joining the MIT Sloan community.
Respectfully,
Daniel Rodriguez
daniel.rodriguez@email.com
617-555-4321
Wrapping Up: Letters After Waitlist
A well-crafted letter of intent can make a meaningful difference in your waitlist status. The key is to express genuine enthusiasm, provide relevant updates, and clearly articulate why you and the program are a perfect match. While these sample letters offer useful templates, your letter should reflect your unique situation and voice.
When writing your letter, focus on what has changed since your initial application, whether that’s new achievements, experiences, or insights. Be specific about why this particular program remains your top choice, referencing aspects of the curriculum, faculty, or community that align with your goals.
Keep your letter concise but substantive, professional yet personal. Most importantly, communicate clearly that you will accept an offer if extended.
The waitlist can be a challenging place to be, but with a thoughtful, strategic approach, you can maximize your chances of turning that waitlist spot into an acceptance letter.