I've Been Waitlisted...What does this mean?

Being placed on a waitlist means the university may still consider you for admission if space becomes available. It is important to review your options and steps carefully.

Below is general information for students who have been waitlisted by University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses. Because waitlist timelines and policies vary by campus, always review the information in your university portal and admissions website for specific instructions and deadlines.

University of California (UC)

What to know about UC waitlists

• Most UC campuses require you to opt in to the waitlist through your portal.
• The opt-in deadline is typically May 15 (or earlier); check your portal for the exact deadline.
• You may accept a waitlist offer from more than one UC campus.
• You are encouraged to consider all of your admission offers while also opting in to a waitlist to ensure that you have an opportunity to attend in the upcoming term.

Typically, if you accept an offer of admission (i.e., submitted a Statement of Intent to Register, or SIR) at a campus and you later receive an admission offer from a different UC campus via the waitlist, you may choose to accept it, however; you must withdraw your acceptance from the campus where you previously submitted a SIR.

The deposit paid to the original campus is usually not refunded.

Waitlisted students are typically notified of a final decision sometime after the SIR deadline; offers of admission may continue on into mid-summer.

It is important to note that placement on a waitlist does not guarantee admission.

Waitlist outcomes vary widely by campus, major and year. 

In Fall 2025, UC San Diego admitted approximately 25% of transfer students who were offered and opted in to the waitlist. 

^{Source: Ensuring Transfer Success Conference, UCOP and Campus Updates, September 2025}

In prior years, UC San Diego has admitted very few students from waitlists.

Please verify all waitlist information and requirements with your respective campus(es).

UC Campus Admissions Decisions

 

California State University (CSU) 

What to know about CSU waitlists

• If you are placed on a waitlist, follow any instructions provided in your applicant portal (if applicable).
• Waitlist timelines and requirements vary by campus.
• Students are encouraged to consider all university offers of admission to ensure a spot for transfer in the upcoming term.
• If you are later admitted from a CSU waitlist, you may choose to accept that offer and withdraw from the campus where you previously confirmed enrollment (if applicable).
  • Enrollment deposits paid to another campus are typically non-transferable and non-refundable.

Most campuses re-evaluate their capacity to admit additional students from the waitlist after their respective intent to enroll deadlines have passed. Campuses will typically communicate with applicants about their waitlist status sometime after this date.

Be sure to check your university portal regularly and follow all instructions provided by the admissions office.

If you would like support reviewing your options or thinking through next steps, the Transfer Center is here to help. Sign up for a Navigating Your Admission Decision workshop.

Appealing Your Waitlist Decision

You may be wondering whether or not you may appeal the university's decision to offer you a space on the waitlist. 

Because a waitlist is not considered a denial of admission, some campuses discourage appeals in these situations. Check with the admissions office at the campus where you are waitlisted to learn whether an appeal would be considered.

Review general information about appealing an admission decision.

 

Navigating Your Admission Decision Workshop