Waitlist FAQ

You’ve been added to the waitlist. Now what? The waitlist doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your College of Charleston admission journey.

We would love to offer admission to all who apply to the College of Charleston.

However, we must also ensure that the number of new, incoming students does not exceed our capacity to provide resources for student success such as housing, course offerings and student services.

Admission to the College is competitive. We know there are applicants who would be successful here and who would otherwise be admitted if space became available.

For now, these applicants are offered a place on the waitlist.

Find the answers to your Waitlist Questions

Important questions and considerations to help you weigh your waitlist options.

How do I accept my offer for the waitlist?

In your decision letter (located in your College of Charleston Admissions Portal), there is a linked form to indicate that you would like to accept a spot on our waitlist. You must accept a spot on the waitlist to be considered for admission. We encourage you to do this as soon as possible.
When will I know if I was admitted?

Once a final admissions decision is made, decisions will be released via the College of Charleston Admissions Portal and applicants will be notified by email. The College of Charleston will try to provide all applicants on our waitlist with a final admission decision no later than June 15.
What number am I on the waitlist?

While waitlists can mean different things at different institutions, applicants on the waitlist at the College of Charleston are not assigned a numeric position or specific place on the list.
Just as with the admissions process, we consider applicants based on multiple factors within their application and institutional needs.
While some spaces may become available, they are not all identical. Instead, these spaces may call for students from different academic profiles, demographics or geographic locations.
What can I do to increase my chances for admission off the waitlist?

First, make sure you confirm your spot on the waitlist using the linked form in your decision letter.
Next, connecting with your admissions counselor is the best way to highlight your continued interest in the College of Charleston. As potential spaces become available, these personal connections go a long way for your counselor to advocate for your admission.
You do NOT need to send additional letters of recommendation, essays or personal statements to be admitted from the waitlist.
Am I more likely to be admitted if I change my major?
If someone turns down their admission offer, does that mean I'll be admitted?
Will I still be considered for scholarships/financial aid?

The availability of merit scholarships cannot be guaranteed. If you are admitted, you will be informed of any merit scholarship earned within your offer of admission.
To be considered for need-based financial aid, be sure to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and send it to the College of Charleston (school code 003428), if you have not done so already.
If admitted, what are my next steps for enrollment?

First, congratulations! You made it!

If admitted, to secure your seat in the fall class you will need to submit your $400 non-refundable enrollment deposit.
The College will inform applicants selected for admission of their chances for campus housing and any financial aid award before requiring an enrollment decision.
If you are admitted off the waitlist before May 1, you’ll need to abide by the May 1 enrollment deposit and housing application deadline to be guaranteed on-campus housing and a spot in the class.

Students admitted off the waitlist after May 1 will not be guaranteed on-campus housing.
Paying your $400 non-refundable enrollment deposit as soon as possible will give you access to the on-campus housing application in hopes of space opening through the summer. Additionally, we may close deposits at any time after May 1 if the incoming class reaches capacity.
You can register for a summer orientation session once the enrollment deposit is submitted. Visit our Admitted Students Next Steps page for additional information.

Visit Admitted Students Next Steps
What should I do if I need to decline my spot on the waitlist?

If you decide that you are no longer interested in attending the College of Charleston, you can cancel your application by sending an email to admissions@charleston.edu with your name, CWID or date of birth, and a request to withdraw your application. We’ll take care of the rest!