As published in The Berkshire Eagle, May 20, 2006

Rejected, Wait-Listed for College

by Charles Bonenti

Most high school seniors have learned by now whether or not they’ve been accepted by the colleges of their choice. But that doesn’t mean everyone knows where he or she will be heading next fall.

Some may have been rejected down the line (a hazard of not having a fallback position). Others have landed on a waiting list and are pondering whether to stay put or go with a second choice.

For the rejects, there is some good news. Nearly 140 colleges in New England are still willing to take new applicants or transfers for the fall semester, according to the New England Board of Higher Education.

The nonprofit organization, headed by former Pittsfield Mayor Evan S. Dobelle, reported last week that while 50 of the 207 colleges and universities responding to the survey were closed to freshmen and transfers as of May 1 — most of them specializing in health or related fields — 139 campuses still had openings.

Even better, 97 percent of those said they still had financial aid to offer.

The survey results are available online at www.nebhe.org. Go to “Vacancy Survey,” then download “2006 Student Vacancy Survey.”

Of the colleges still accepting students, the NEBHE said:

• 61 were private four-year institutions;
  
• 21 were public four-year institutions;
  
• 13 were private two-year colleges; and
  
• 44 were public community colleges that offer admission on a “rolling basis.

Sixteen said they would only take transfer students and one had openings for freshmen only.

One word of advice: Do not reapply to a college that’s already rejected you.

For those on waiting lists, the American Education Services says you have the right to ask the college how many have been wait-listed in the past, how many were offered admission, and what types of aid and housing were offered to those who were later accepted.

You can ask your high school guidance counselor to find out where you stand on the waiting list and what the major obstacle was to your acceptance.

In the meantime, the organization’s Education Planner Web page suggests you take the offer of a college that’s accepted you and pay your deposit. You can always withdraw later.

Then let the dean of admissions at your waiting list school know you are interested, that your financial aid papers are in order and you will definitely attend if accepted.

You can read more at www.educationplanner.com.

Charles Bonenti is Business Editor of the Berkshire Eagle.