So, I just got waitlisted from Harvard, but accepted to all the other Ivies and Stanford. In a burst of nervousness, I accepted my position on the waitlist for God knows why, and I regret this. I have one question: if they accept me after I enroll at another college, can I still switch? I’m trying to find a straight answer but I can’t focus with the mix of sadness and joy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m more than happy with the other Ivies, but ever since I was like 4 I wanted to go to Harvard. I know the chances are slim, but there’s a chance, right? Thanks!
Yes – any potential offer from H is still just an offer. You’re free to decline it or accept it. If you choose H, then you withdraw from the other college you’ve already accepted. It happens all the time.
You will need to accept and enroll at one of the other schools that accepted you. You can also accept a spot on Harvard’s waitlist. But in the likely event that you don’t get offered a spot at Harvard off the waitlist, you need to have picked a place to go.
If you are offered a spot off the waitlist, which is very unlikely to happen before May, you may, at that time, accept the spot at Harvard or reject it a that time. Usually, Harvard will give you at least a few days to make up your mind, if you need it. If you accept the position offered, you will likely lose any deposit you made at the other school.
If you really want to pursue the waitlist opportunity, write a letter to your admissions officer expressing your heartfelt interest. Also, this is the time to send a modest amount of updates to your application. A letter of recommendation from someone who knows you very well, attesting to your outstanding personal character may help you.
As you imagined, the likelihood of being accepted off the waitlist is very low. But I’ve seen it happen.