UC Transfer Waitlist Information + Waitlist Statement Guideline

Waitlist Information
Waitlist Statement Writing Guidelines
Appeal While On Waitlist
Waitlist Numbers
Waitlist Statement Help


UC Waitlist Information

Each UC campus handles the waitlist opt-in process a little differently. Most UCs will have an opt-in deadline of May 15, but some campuses may have different deadlines. I recommend that you carefully review the waitlist information and/or FAQ from the campus that offered you waitlist before opting in.

Most UC campuses will not release waitlist decisions until well after the June 1 SIR deadline, so be sure to follow through with a backup plan in case the waitlist decision doesn’t work out in your favor. There is no penalty for you to withdraw the SIR if you are accepted from the waitlist somewhere else (except losing the $250 deposit).

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UC Waitlist Statement Writing Guidelines

For the campuses that allow waitlist statement, be sure to explain why the campus is right for you. For example, what opportunities will the campus offer you and how do you intend to take advantage of those opportunities? You should also reinforce why you are the right student for that campus. For example, what experiences, knowledge, skills, and characteristics do you bring to the campus and how will you positively contribute to the student body and/or the campus community?

For campuses that do NOT have a waitlist statement, keep in mind that UCs will NOT review unsolicited information.

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Appeal While On Waitlist

UCs do not allow applicants who were offered waitlist option to appeal. For campuses that allow waitlist statement, you can use that as an appeal if needed.

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UC Waitlist Numbers

Not sure if you should opt-in or give up? Take a look at previous years’ waitlist numbers I have compiled here to help you decide the best way forward!

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Waitlist Statement Help

Find DIY waitlist statement help on my YouTube Channel (watch Understanding How the UC Appeal and Waitlist Process Works first, then check out How to Compose Your UC Waitlist Statement).

Need personalized help with your waitlist statement? I offer a service where I review your UC Application and provide suggestions on information you should cover for your waitlist statement. Learn more!

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18 Comments

Join the discussion and tell us your opinion.

cgpreply
May 1, 2022 at 11:09 pm

Is it possible to switch majors while on the transfer waitlist for UCLA? I am waitlisted as a Communication major with a 3.95 GPA, and am missing one major prep course because my CCC doesn’t offer it. A few months ago, I realized that I would prefer to pursue Sociology as my major, but it was past the deadline to change majors on my application. While Sociology is impacted, it is not as impacted as Communication, and I have both of the major prep courses done, so I figure that I probably have a much better chance of being admitted off of the waitlist if I were to be able to switch majors. Is it even possible to request this change, and do you think it would potentially increase my chances of getting in? Thank you for the help.

Ms. Sunreply
May 2, 2022 at 2:25 pm
– In reply to: cgp

You can ask but generally the UCs don’t honor such requests because then everyone would do that.

Cindy Paigereply
May 4, 2022 at 10:32 pm

Do you have statistics on percentage of transfer students admitted off the waitlist at UCLA?

Ms. Sunreply
May 6, 2022 at 3:20 am
– In reply to: Cindy Paige

The last set of numbers I had were from 2020, which was an anomalous year due to the pandemic.

May 5, 2022 at 7:01 pm

Dear Ms. Sun,

For UCLA waitlist application, there is an “Additional Info” section.
Should I write an Waitlist Statement? What is your opinion?

Please kindly advise.

Thank you,

Ms. Sunreply
May 6, 2022 at 3:24 am
– In reply to: V.

You may want to explain why the campus is right for you and how you are the right student for that campus.

May 13, 2022 at 8:06 pm

When does UC Berkeley usually send out transfer waitlist application decisions? Is there a certain date for it that they will announce (like they did April 22 for normal transfer decisions) or will they just send it out whenever?

Ms. Sunreply
May 15, 2022 at 4:17 pm
– In reply to: G.

The campus is unlikely to announce a “release date” since waitlist decisions will vary depending on yield. According to the official UC Transfer Waitlist and Appeals Fact Sheet, the campuses have until end of July (nonbinding) to notify students.

Davidreply
May 19, 2022 at 3:57 pm

Has UCLA started to notify admission decisions to students on the current waitlist? Will a student get notify even if the student was not offerred admission from the waitlist?

Ms. Sunreply
May 19, 2022 at 4:46 pm
– In reply to: David

There were a few waitlist admits. I believe the campus will send out notice in the summer once enrollment target is met and no further changes to the enrollment numbers are expected.

Katherinereply
May 26, 2022 at 8:53 pm

Hi,

I got waitlisted for berkely as bio major. What are my chances of getting in? I am transferred from community. The problem is that i haven’t finished bio series except the 1 of them. I finished the IGETC and almost everything except physic part and 2 of the bio series. In addition, I didn’t enter my grade when i finished that bio course which was this semester. I failed bio in the previous semester. I also don’t know i should enter the c from my organic chemistry. I have mostly 3.0gpa. I hope you see my dilemma.

Ms. Sunreply
May 26, 2022 at 10:37 pm
– In reply to: Katherine

You should update Berkeley on the new grades you earned.

Katherinereply
May 27, 2022 at 11:28 am

and what are my chances of getting in, given my situation – w/o finished my series of biology even though i am in college of letter of sciences and poor gpa?

Ms. Sunreply
May 27, 2022 at 11:54 am
– In reply to: Katherine

You may fall further down the list for consideration.

Katherinereply
May 27, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Thank you for your fast responses.

Ms. Sunreply
May 28, 2022 at 10:52 am
– In reply to: Katherine

I’m happy to help. My best wishes to you and good luck!

July 8, 2022 at 4:21 am

Hi, I wondering if I can appeal for UCB since I got an email the other day, saying that the waitlist ended. I saw that we can’t? I don’t know because I can’t find any information.

Thanks,

Ms. Sunreply
July 8, 2022 at 9:58 pm
– In reply to: CH

Most UCs do not allow you to appeal at this point because they have met their enrollment target. If there are no more seats left, there is no point looking at appeals.

Questions or Comments?