Information for Applicants on the Waitlist
We receive many strong applications for admission to NC State. Due to the large number of competitive applicants, we are unable to admit all qualified students. With limited space in the fall class, admission is highly competitive. Students placed on the waitlist are those we believe could be successful at NC State if space becomes available. Read below for more information about being on the waitlist.
What does it mean to be on the waitlist?
If you are on the waitlist, it means that you are a well-qualified student but, due to the competition of our applicant pool and space availability, we are unable to admit you at this time. You should indicate your interest in remaining on the waitlist by submitting the form on your wolfPAW account by May 1. We encourage you to make plans to enroll at another institution at this time. We will contact you by June 15 if we are able to offer you admission off the waitlist for fall.
What are my chances of being admitted from the waitlist?
It is difficult to anticipate how many students we will be able to offer acceptance from the waitlist until after May 1, our enrollment confirmation deadline. If you must pay an enrollment deposit at another institution by May 1, we suggest you confirm your plans to attend that institution. If we are able to offer you admission, we will contact you by June 15 and you can consider the best option for you at that time.
How can I appeal being placed on the waitlist?
You cannot appeal being placed on the waitlist. You can indicate whether you are interested or not in remaining on the waitlist by submitting the form on your wolfPAW account.
We do not consider demonstrated interest in our application review process. Submitting letters of continued interest or registering for an on-campus tour will not make an impact on your final admissions decision.
What is my number on the waitlist?
Our waitlist is not numbered. If you accept a place on our waitlist, we will consider you for any space available in the freshman class after we have heard back from admitted students by the May 1 confirmation deadline.
Can I update or change my application to hear a decision before June 15?
Requesting a major change or providing updated information will not change your current status. We will review all applicants on the waitlist if space is available after May 1.
What, if anything, should I provide to increase my chances of being admitted from the waitlist?
We have fully reviewed your application and no additional information you provide at this time will increase your chances of being admitted. Updated transcripts, letters of recommendation and evaluative interviews are not required or recommended.
We do not consider demonstrated interest in our application review process. Submitting letters of continued interest or registering for an on-campus tour will not make an impact on your final admissions decision.
What can I do if I am not offered acceptance from the waitlist but want to attend NC State in the future?
We are confident you will have a successful educational future and encourage you to keep us in mind for transfer admission. About 20 percent of NC State graduates each year started their college coursework at another college or university. Learn more about our transfer admission process and what it takes to be a competitive applicant at transfer.ncsu.edu/apply.
I would like to speak with an admissions counselor.
We are readily available by phone (919-515-2434) or email Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET. If you are interested in meeting with a member of our staff individually, we have admissions officers available at the Joyner Visitor Center and Talley Student Union in the Campus Visits Office.
