^^
They start looking in like 2 weeks ish… and when they end depends on the school. Last year for instance, Exeter waitlist went all the way to August, and I heard of schools that closed it off in June. I’m guessing schools like to keep it open as long as possible just in case some last minute drop out occurs. However, best of luck in this process.
I think that it is important to note that many schools never get to their waitlist. However, here are the events that might trigger WL activity: (1) far fewer applicants return for the re-visit day; (2) fewer contracts are turned in after the first or second revisit day; (3) fewer contracts than class size on A10 which is contract deadline. Based on any of these events a school could figure out that its yield is off. (As you know, each school accepts more students than it has room for because it knows that not all offers will be accepted. So, just because a certain student doesn’t accept an offer doesn’t mean that the school goes to the WL. The school first has to receive “nos” in the same quantum of all the “extra” acceptances, before it goes to WL. Ex. Class size is 250. School accepts 325. School will not go to the WL until 75 applicants have turned them down)) And, finally, if someone drops out of the class in the summer for some reason, it is possible that a call is made. Regardless, most schools will notify you when the WL is closed, and this can be anywhere from April-July, but usually earlier.
Honestly, the wait list is tough. We were there last year. Each school was a little different. One closed their waitlist early but contacted us and asked us to stay on the “special summer” wait list. At another school their yield was off and the ended up having 4 extra kids with no beds. They never went to the wait list. The other school went to their waitlist, but we needed aid and there was no money. The spots went to full pay. Movement usually happens after April 10.
Generally, movement off the waitlist happens around the time when the deposit / tuition is due - i.e., around April 10 and June 15 for most schools. I’ve heard that many schools keep the WL open until mid-August - it’s obviously not common for someone to withdraw after mid-June, but it does occasionally happen due to special circumstances. It’s true that some schools never get to the WL, but it’s also true that many schools will take a handful of WL students. Best of luck!