The Waiting Game: What To Do About Waitlists

Host Kyra Tyler kicks off this episode with College Coach Joy Biscornet for a practical guide to college visits. Joy shares how to plan visits effectively, what to do once you’re on campus, and which questions are worth asking, as well as which ones aren’t. Most importantly, she explains how visits can help students decide whether a school truly feels like a good fit by seeing if they can picture themselves there.

In segment two, Kyra is joined by College Coach Scott Alexander to tackle a common spring concern: being waitlisted. Scott breaks down what actually happens after a waitlist decision, what students can do beyond simply waiting, and how to weigh options between a school you’ve already committed to and one that might admit you later. He also explains why trying to decode why you were waitlisted is rarely productive and how colleges use waitlists strategically.

The episode wraps up with finance expert Laurie Peltier, who walks families through everything they need to know about May 1st. Laurie covers the true costs of committing (from deposits and meal plans to immunizations) and explains how to officially accept financial aid offers and notify outside scholarship organizations where funds should be sent. And more!