<p>My advice is probably not what you’re expecting, but if you contact the schools at the end of April and still haven’t gotten in then I think you should write a letter withdrawing from the waitlist. Read a book about psychology and decision making such as “Predictably Irrational” or (even more relevant) “Stumbling on Happiness” and you’ll find that research shows people are actually happier with an irrevocable decision! The reason is once something is settled you accept it and move on. If you linger on the waitlist all summer it will be hard to fully commit to your new college – signing up for orientation and getting to know a few people when you attend, making plans for who brings what with your future roomates, etc. All because doing so is planning for a future you’re still hoping won’t come. On the other hand if the end of April hits and you say goodbye to these schools you’ll be fully committed to the college you picked from the group that accepted you – and, if you believe the research, happier!</p>