9 days until Waitlist opens…
We could definitely see movement before the final enrollment date IF yield is trending clearly below target as compared to historic norms.
And, may not because of all the uncertainty.
My expectation, many families will be going down to the wire this year…
The true picture will become visible as the waitlists start to clear. And, could present surprises as summer conditions evolve.
It will be particularly interesting to see if economic and other conditions lead to buyer’s remorse for early, or even, timely, committers.
Quite a few colleges and universities have already gone to the list early, even at least one Ivy before decision day (Brown). In fact there’s a whole thread on it here tracking this. Some highly selective boarding schools (which similarly draw X% of full-pay international kids each year) also did.
In my family’s case, our whole approach, and criteria has changed.
Were we applying for 2026, a completely different list of schools would be on our safety/target/stretch list.
4 years of what looks like our future, makes a big difference when making a $200-400+k investment.
Yes, i know. My point isn’t that it’s not already happening; my point is that it’s not the only thing happening.
Our world is filled with chaos and uncertainty, for what appears will last at least several years. Reactions will be commensurate.
Regarding that thread, i’ve learned quite a bit about this site and those who financially benefit from it, as well.
What would be your changes? We have a 2025 and 2026. 2026 is a very high stats kid who was going to apply as public health major at most schools. That seems to be a major that is not as well resourced as a few months ago. Senior applied to 13 and Junior will be closer to 20. She has a perfect psat and is considering using Alabama as her “choice.” Still learning about how that works. She is aiming for selective schools including ivies and schools like Michigan but also wants to be smart. My husband went to Alabama and turned out fine. Five years of free education is not a bad safety. She’s witnessed a lot with her sister and classmates this year. She’s trying to balance out her list to account for realistic admissions rates and cost.
Senior on the WL at Michigan. Happily committed elsewhere but there is some uneasiness all the way around. While some might disagree we have not pulled all of her other applications. Bc of a recent job loss we are prioritizing our family and just want to feel extra sure. I have to wonder if other families are doing the same.
So, basically, all i think I can say is:
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Do what is right for your family.
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Our past understanding of what our country is about, no longer is certain, including how the current chaos will pan out; but don’t ignore the consequences that you feel are likely (especially regarding job/career prospects). All you can do at this early stage is challenge your assumptions and criteria, and make the best informed decisions you can.
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Now is the time to be extra financially prudent, take more risk when you believe the way forward is clear.
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Think carefully about the political/social/ethical/racial/religious/gender/origin/health/safety climate where you send your child to school. It’s likely you have rarely/never considered these might be an issue in our country.
Best wishes!
Thank you. There is much to say and with so much uncertainty I hesitate to speculate here. Thank you for the advice. All of these points have become more and more important the deeper we get into this process. Living in a Boston suburb, our morning bus stop chats (1st grader) have gotten pretty somber.
Your family will be in my thoughts.
Well it ain’t me.. Lol. I am a volunteer. I have asked for stock options and a 401k and all they do is laugh 
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What is the thread called that is tracking this?
Has anyone gotten off waitlist at LSA OOS?
I haven’t seen anything on either reddit or Facebook. Not that they’re the end-all, but, I’d have expected something.