<p>Okay, this is probably a stupid question, but I was wondering how waitlists work - I'm sure many students don't inform a college of their decision by May 1st, but by then isn't it too late for other students on the waitlist to attend, if they have already made a decision and notified a school?</p>
<p>Accepted students generally have a May 1 deadline. Most do inform yay or nea by that date. Your idea that “many students don’t inform a college of their decision by May 1st” – where does that come from?</p>
<p>With the declines, some openings may happen. Then they go to the “first cut” of WL folks. If a few more fall off the list during the summer and then more WL invites may go out.</p>
<p>For those who are on the WL of a school, they should secure a spot at another school that accepted them. If the 1st school offers them a spot in say, June, then they withdraw their accept from the 2nd school. That’s how WL works.</p>
<p>Indeed, some of the openings that occur after May 1 is due to students accepting WL offers. It’s a rolling system and the colleges understand that.</p>