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How Does A College Admissions Waitlist Work?


Being placed on a college admissions waitlist can create a mixed bag of emotions for applicants. On one hand, it isn’t an outright rejection, but on the other, it can feel as though you’re being left on the sidelines.

After all the effort you’ve put into essays, interviews, and extracurriculars, being placed on a waitlist can be discouraging and frustrating. But understanding how a waitlist actually functions—and more importantly, what your odds of getting in might be—can help ease some of that uncertainty and inform your next steps.

In this article, we’ll dig into how the college waitlist process works, factors that influence acceptance from a waitlist, and what you can do to improve your chances. We’ll also look at real data from UC Berkeley’s 2022 admissions cycle to give you a sense of how waitlist odds play out in reality.

What Is A Waitlist And Why Do Colleges Use It?

Each year, college admissions teams face the unpredictable exercise of identifying exactly how many of the students they admit will actually enroll. This is known as the “yield rate,” and it’s a critical metric for colleges who consistently look to fill their incoming classes without overshooting or leaving seats empty. To manage this, admissions teams sometimes turn to offering certain qualified applicants a spot on their waitlist. Over the next few months, a portion of admitted students will decline their offers. This means enrollment spots open up and waitlisted students can get a chance at admission.

Each college uses their waitlist differently. However, waitlists are typically created in the spring (after March or April), after initial acceptance letters have been sent out. Once waitlisted students receive their official admissions decision, they’re often asked whether they’d like to remain on the waitlist. If you’re on the waitlist, you’re typically required to confirm your interest by filling out a form or sending a letter to the admissions office. This signals your ongoing commitment to the school, which can be a factor if spots open up.

Odds Of Being Accepted From A Waitlist

The question of the hour is this: What are the odds of actually getting in if I’m waitlisted?

Unfortunately, waitlist odds are generally low, particularly at highly selective schools. According to data from the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), highly selective colleges tend to have waitlist acceptance rates below 10%, while more moderately selective schools may have rates hovering around 20%. In most cases, students should approach a waitlist offer with cautious optimism—it’s an opportunity, but one with no guarantees.

UC Berkeley Example: Waitlist Statistics

To understand how this process plays out, let’s look at a real-world example. In 2022, UC Berkeley, one of the most competitive schools in the University of California school system, offered 7,001 qualified applicants a place on its waitlist. Out of those, 4,820 students decided to accept the offer and remain on the waitlist. In the end, 1,191 of those who were originally waitlisted were admitted.

This means about 17% of the students waitlisted at UC Berkeley ultimately gained admission. While this might sound promising, remember that Berkeley is a large public university with higher enrollment needs. Many private, highly selective institutions admit far fewer students from their waitlists each year—sometimes it’s fewer than 5% or none at all.

Factors That Affect Waitlist Acceptance Rates

Each college’s approach to managing its waitlist is unique, but a few common factors can influence whether a waitlisted student ultimately gains admission:

  • Yield Rates: If a college’s yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who enroll—is lower than anticipated, they may need to admit more students from the waitlist. For example, if a significant number of students decline their offer of admission in favor of other schools, more spots open up for waitlisted students. Schools with unpredictable or low yield rates are more likely to lean on their waitlists to fill classes.
  • Demonstrated Interest: Some schools consider a student’s ongoing interest in attending when determining who to admit from the waitlist. By sending a letter of continued interest, updating the admissions office on recent achievements, or even just filling out a confirmation form promptly, you can show that you’re committed to attending if accepted. In competitive admissions environments, this level of demonstrated interest can make a difference.
  • Class Composition Goals: Admissions teams strive to create a balanced and diverse incoming class, not only in terms of demographics but also in terms of academic interests, geographic distribution, and extracurricular talents. If the initial admitted pool is short on a particular type of student—say, musicians or applicants from a certain state—a college may look to the waitlist for candidates who fit that profile.
  • Institutional Priorities: Each college has specific goals and strategic priorities that influence admissions decisions. For example, a college expanding its computer science department may give waitlist preference to students with strong interest in STEM. Similarly, a college that values geographical diversity might prioritize out-of-state or international students from the waitlist if enrollment from those groups is lower than expected.

The Emotional Reality Of Being Waitlisted

Getting waitlisted is an emotional experience. It can feel like you’re stuck in a state of limbo, waiting on a response that could alter your future. However, being waitlisted isn’t necessarily a reflection of your skills and qualifications. In many cases, it’s simply a matter of space. Keep in mind that admissions teams regularly report having far more qualified applicants than they have spots available for.

Steps To Take If You’re Waitlisted

If you’re on a waitlist, it’s important to stay proactive while managing expectations. Here are some steps you can take to maximize your chances of being admitted:

  • Confirm Your Interest: Most schools ask students on the waitlist to confirm whether they’re still interested in attending. Make sure to complete this process as soon as possible, as this can signal your eagerness to enroll.
  • Write a Letter of Continued Interest: A letter of continued interest, sometimes called a LOCI, can help bolster your case. Your letter should be concise but genuine. Use it to reiterate your interest in the school, explain why it’s a top choice for you, and update the admissions team on any significant accomplishments since you submitted your application, such as awards, grades, or new extracurricular involvement.
  • Update with Relevant Information: If you have new SAT/ACT scores, a recent achievement, or additional academic updates, consider sending them to the admissions office. Some schools welcome updates, while others don’t; it’s a good idea to check the school’s policy to avoid overstepping.
  • Accept an Offer Elsewhere: Since a waitlist offer doesn’t guarantee admission, it’s wise to secure your place at another college by their deposit deadline. This way, you’ll have a guaranteed spot for the fall, and you won’t feel pressured if the waitlist offer doesn’t materialize.

Should You Appeal Your Waitlist Status?

In some cases, applicants might wonder if they should reach out to appeal their waitlist status. However, it’s generally not recommended. Admissions teams are accustomed to receiving additional information from waitlisted students, and contacting them repeatedly could be perceived negatively. The best approach is to follow their guidelines, provide any requested updates, and let your application speak for itself.

Final Thoughts on Waitlist Strategies

While being waitlisted is often disappointing, it’s important to remember that many students do get admitted from a waitlist. Also try to consider the bigger picture of why waitlists exist, then focus on what you can do to set yourself up for future success. Staying focused on presenting yourself as a committed, well-qualified candidate will speak for itself.

Ultimately, college is just one chapter in your educational journey. Whether or not you gain admission from a waitlist, your college experience—and your potential for success—isn’t limited by one decision. Embrace your options, make the most of the college experience that welcomes you, and remember that no matter where you go, it’s your passion, resilience, and curiosity that will carry you forward.

Editor: Colin Graves

Reviewed by: Robert Farrington

The post How Does A College Admissions Waitlist Work? appeared first on The College Investor.

New home inventory is at its highest level since just before the housing market collapse that led to the Great Recession, but that doesn’t mean it’s the same market


The U.S. housing market’s inventory is growing, putting pressure on prices and slowing new construction, according to fresh research from the Bank of America Institute. As of June, existing-home supply reached 4.7 months, the highest level since July 2016. New-home supply surged even further to 9.8 months—its highest point since 2022—highlighting how quickly inventory is building across the housing market.

The influx of available homes reflects sluggish demand, with builders citing weak buyer urgency, affordability challenges, and lingering job instability. The Institute noted new-home inventory is now at its highest level since 2007, the year before the housing market collapse that led to the Great Financial Crisis.

ResiClub co-founder Lance Lambert told Fortune that the rising inventory tells us that “homebuyers are gaining leverage” as slack in the housing market is increasing. “The Pandemic Housing Boom saw too much housing demand all at once, home prices overheated too fast in many markets, and underlying fundamentals got too stretched.”

Lambert characterized the last few years as a “recalibration period” where the housing market is smoothing out that excess. Mounting inventory sucks out appreciation in more markets—and even causes outright corrections in some markets’ home prices. He said he expects the underlying fundamentals to slowly improve as that happens and incomes keep rising. “It takes time.” This period is different from 2007, he said, because that window saw a far greater weakening of the housing market and upswing in resale inventory, along with unsold, completed newbuild homes.

BofA Research

One striking shift: The median price of a new home has actually fallen below that of an existing home—a reversal of the usual market dynamic. BofA said this pricing inversion underscores how builders are being forced to discount amid rising supply and softer demand. “Builders are starting to pull back on new home starts in many markets,” Bank of America wrote. While the slowdown is broad-based, conditions vary regionally, with some areas such as the Midwest proving more resilient than others.

“Since the Pandemic Housing Boom fizzled out in 2022, and the affordability squeeze was fully felt,” Lambert told Fortune, “the national power dynamic has slowly been shifting from sellers to buyers as homes have a harder time selling and active inventory for sale builds.”

Still, Lambert noted the inventory picture varies significantly across the country. For instance, it remains most limited across notable sections of the Midwest and the Northeast, although still growing, he said. On the other hand, active inventory has neared or surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels in many parts of the Sun Belt and Mountain West, and he said that is where homebuyers have gained the most leverage.

The trend comes as the Federal Reserve has begun trimming interest rates in an effort to support both broader economic growth and housing affordability. Whether those cuts will be enough to reignite demand remains an open question.

For now, the data signals a market in transition: high inventory, moderating prices, and builders caught between a cautious consumer and the need to manage supply.

For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. 

Introducing the 2025 Fortune Global 500, the definitive ranking of the biggest companies in the world. Explore this year’s list.

The One ChatGPT Trick Every Doctor Should Use (2025)



Ever used ChatGPT, gotten something great one time, then a complete mess the next?

It’s a common story. One day it nails an email or summary. The next, it gives you five clunky paragraphs that miss the point entirely.

Doctors, business owners, and busy parents have all run into the same thing. Some give up after a few tries. Others keep tweaking prompts, hoping for better results, only to waste more time editing than creating.

That’s where one simple shift makes all the difference.

It’s not a hack or a secret. It’s a basic formula many now call the ChatGPT Cheatsheet (probably started in Reddit?). And this trick just works.

Once you use it, ChatGPT becomes the assistant you hoped it would be from the start. Here’s how you can do it too.


Disclaimer: While these are general suggestions, it’s important to conduct thorough research and due diligence when selecting AI tools. We do not endorse or promote any specific AI tools mentioned here. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, or clinical advice. Always comply with HIPAA and institutional policies. For any decisions that impact patient care or finances, consult a qualified professional.

TL;DR — The Trick That Makes ChatGPT 10x More Useful

Here’s the cheat code:

Role → Task → Format → Constraints → Example → Quality Bar

That’s it. You give ChatGPT six ingredients. Who to act like, what you want, how it should look, what rules to follow, a tiny sample, and how you’ll judge it.

Do that, and you’ll start getting usable drafts right away. You won’t have to rewrite the whole thing. You won’t wonder what went wrong. And most importantly, you won’t waste your time.

Why This One Trick Actually Works

Let’s be honest. Most bad AI outputs come from vague prompts. “Summarize this,” “Write an email,” or “Make this sound better” usually gets you… something weird. Like a bland soup of words with no salt and way too much fluff.

But this prompt recipe turns fuzzy asks into clear instructions, so ChatGPT actually knows what you want. That means:

  • Less fluff
  • Fewer rewrites
  • Clearer tone
  • Paste-ready drafts you can actually use

How does it work? Let’s break it down.

ChatGPT Step-by-Step Prompting Guide

Here’s the starter template:

Universal Template:

Role: [who you want it to act like]  
Task: [what you want it to do]  
Format: [output type — paragraph, bullets, etc.]  
Constraints: [rules — length, tone, style]  
Example: [one line that shows what good looks like]  
Quality Bar: [how you’ll judge if it’s usable]  

Example:

Role: writing coach and editor
Task: rewrite to be shorter and professional, keep the original meaning
Format: two versions: (A) 80–120 word paragraph, (B) 3–5 bullets
Constraints: clear, concrete verbs; no clichés; U.S. English; No filler
Example: “Keep only what’s essential; replace vague phrases”
Quality Bar: scan-friendly in 20 seconds; sounds human, not robotic

Prompt-Refiner (when you’re not sure what to ask)

You are a prompt engineer. I want [goal]. Ask me 5 precise questions to fill Role, Task, Format, Constraints, Example, Quality Bar. Then draft the final prompt.

1. Role

This tells ChatGPT what “voice” or mindset to use.

Avoid anything clinical like “medical writer” or “hospital assistant”. It might accidentally lead to oversharing. For more info on general rules to follow, read What Doctors Should Never Do in ChatGPT.

Stick with safer roles like:

  • “professional writing coach”
  • “organizer for team projects”
  • “editor helping improve LinkedIn bios”
  • “health educator writing for the public”
  • “email assistant helping busy professionals”

Think of it like choosing a hat for ChatGPT to wear, what kind of helper do you want?

2. Task

Tell it exactly what to do, with a clear action word. One task per prompt works best.

Examples:

  • Rewrite
  • Summarize
  • Create 3 pros and cons
  • Convert to checklist
  • Draft a short thank-you email

Avoid vague ones like “explore” or “think about.” Be direct.

3. Format

This tells it what shape you want the output in.

Examples:

  • 120-word paragraph
  • 5 bullets
  • 3-column table [Time | Topic | Outcome]
  • One-liner + CTA
  • Plain-English Do/Don’t list

Bonus: tables are awesome for organizing ideas, notes, or agendas.

4. Constraints

Think of these like guardrails. They prevent fluff, keep the tone tight, and reduce hallucinations.

Examples:

  • Elementary reading level
  • <100 words
  • U.S. English
  • No clichés or filler
  • No medical terms or abbreviations
  • Avoid technical jargon

This is the secret to making ChatGPT sound more human and less like a bad textbook.

5. Example

This part does the heavy lifting in just one line.

Example:

Start with a hook → 3 bullets → one-line CTA

Or:

Clear summary, no jargon. Like a newsletter blurb

Models are pattern-matchers. If you show it the pattern, it nails the result faster.

6. Quality Bar

This is the final ingredient. How will you know the result is good?

Examples:

  • “Scan-friendly in 20 seconds”
  • “No fluff, sounds natural”
  • “Ready to paste into a newsletter”
  • “Sounds like it came from a human”
  • “Include 3 practical next steps”

You can even ask it to self-check:

“List 3 ways this meets the quality bar.”

That’s like giving it a mini QA checklist built right into the prompt.

3 Everyday Prompts You Can Start Using Today

1. The “Too Long Didn’t Read” Summary

Perfect for emails, articles, or meeting notes.

Role: professional assistant  
Task: summarize the following into 5 clear bullets + 1 action step  
Format: bullets only  
Constraints: no filler, plain language, ≤5 bullets  
Example: “Next step: review item #3 by Monday”  
Quality Bar: clear and decision-ready summary  

2. The 45-Minute Agenda

Turn messy notes into a real plan.

Role: project coordinator  
Task: convert these notes into a 45-minute agenda  
Format: table [Time | Topic | Owner | Outcome]  
Constraints: <45 min total, each item has owner/outcome  
Example: “10 min | Budget review | Chris | Finalize Q3 numbers”  
Quality Bar: practical, time-boxed, and clear  

3. The “Make This Clearer” Rewrite

For instructions, updates, or explanations.

Role: plain-English writer  
Task: rewrite the text for clarity and tone  
Format: 1 short paragraph + 3 Do/Don’t bullets  
Constraints: grade 5 reading level; no jargon  
Example: “Do: finish today; Don’t: delay past Friday”  
Quality Bar: easy to scan and understand on a phone  


Unlock the Full Power of ChatGPT With This Copy-and-Paste Prompt Formula!

Download the Complete ChatGPT Cheat Sheet! Your go-to guide to writing better, faster prompts in seconds. Whether you’re crafting emails, social posts, or presentations, just follow the formula to get results instantly.

Save time. Get clarity. Create smarter.


Common Questions (Real Quick)

Q: Why does it still sound generic sometimes?
→ Add a 1-line example in your own voice, and tighten the constraints.

Q: Can I put multiple tasks in one prompt?
→ Break it up: Outline → Draft → Edit → Format. That sequence works wonders.

Q: I don’t know what constraints to use.
→ Ask ChatGPT to suggest three for you based on your task. Then pick one and go.

Final Thoughts

Now, again, this isn’t about becoming an AI expert.

It’s about saving time. Cutting fluff. Getting clarity. And spending less of your day wrestling with a blinking cursor and more of it doing things that actually matter.

So next time you fire up ChatGPT, don’t leave it to chance. Use the trick. And if it helps, share it with someone who could use the time back too.

If you want to learn more about AI and other cool AI tools, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter! We also have a free AI resource page where we share the latest tips, tricks, and news to help you make the most of technology.

To go deeper, check out PIMDCON 2025 — The Physician Real Estate & Entrepreneurship Conference. You’ll gain real-world strategies from doctors who are successfully integrating AI and business for massive results.

See you again next time! As always, make it happen.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on available public data and may not be entirely accurate or up-to-date. It’s recommended to contact the respective companies/individuals for detailed information on features, pricing, and availability. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, or clinical advice. Always comply with HIPAA and institutional policies. For any decisions that impact patient care or finances, consult a qualified professional.

IF YOU WANT MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS, MAKE SURE YOU SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER TO GET UPDATES ON THE LATEST TRENDS FOR AI, TECH, AND SO MUCH MORE.

Peter Kim, MD is the founder of Passive Income MD, the creator of Passive Real Estate Academy, and offers weekly education through his Monday podcast, the Passive Income MD Podcast. Join our community at the Passive Income Doc Facebook Group.

Further Reading



TD Bank’s anti-money laundering effort


TD Bank is investing in its anti-money laundering efforts via technology, systems and personnel as it continues to restructure on the heels of hefty U.S. fines.  In 2024, the Toronto-based bank was fined $1.3 billion by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and $1.8 billion by the U.S. Department of Justice for failing to comply with […]



US downgrades charge against man who threw sandwich at federal agent




US downgrades charge against man who threw sandwich at federal agent

How honest rate advice from brokers motivates buyers in an ‘illiquid market’


“We’ve accepted that a certain percentage of loans, no matter how hard we work, will cancel,” Germanides said. “For example, we tied up a very complex type of deal a couple of weeks ago. It was very attractive bridge financing, extracting the cash out of the home that the borrower wanted to sell, and apply that as a down payment to the new loan. The guy was expecting much higher rates given his situation. He was overjoyed with the loan structure.

“What happened? The inspection came back, lousy. The price was high, and much more work was needed than he had thought on the property inspection. He’s like, ‘It doesn’t make sense to get out of this house for that house.’ A lot of work was done on that, but nothing came from it.”

Bridge loans are something Germanides has been working on more. As more banks withdrew from the bridge lending business, he founded a boutique bridge lending company called Insignia Capital Corp.

“It’s our direct capital and we’re helping brokers put their clients into attractive bridge financing through a bond fund that we work with on these loans,” he said. “So we’re really excited about that business. It’s a nice complement to our mortgage business, because in the event on our direct brokering something comes up short, you can find cash in another property for those clients, depending on the kind of transaction. So it’s been very good.”

Stay updated with the freshest mortgage news. Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox, and always be the first to know by subscribing to our FREE daily newsletter.



(Update) Bank of America Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card 100,000 Point Bonus


Update 8/28/25: you can also get the extra 5,000 points bonus (105,000 total) with the same spend requirement by applying by phone at 800-392-2775 with priority code GAATB2. (ht MEAB)

The Offer

Direct link to offer

  • Bank of America has launched the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card with a 100,000 point bonus after $6,000 in spend within 90 days of account opening. Also includes a 25,000-point Global Companion Award

Card Details

  • Receive a Global 100K Companion Award every year you spend 60,000 or more on purchases in that anniversary year
  • 8 Alaska Lounge passes (a $500+ value) and 8 Wi-Fi passes (a $60+ value) every year (2 of each per calendar quarter). Each pass is valid for your entire travel day and includes entry for up to two accompanying children.
  • A free checked bag and preferred boarding for you and up to six guests on the same reservation when you pay for your flight with your card
  • Receive an exclusive signature cocktail or elevated bar offering every time you visit an Alaska Lounge location (through 2026)
  • Up to a $120 Airport Security Statement Credit every four years in connection with the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry trusted traveler programs
  • Same-day confirmed change fee waiver (excluding Saver fare)
  • Partner award booking fee waiver — Save up to $25 per person on every roundtrip flight. For a family of four, that’s $100 in savings
  • Travel delay protection — receive a $50 voucher for a same-day cancellation or delays of 2+ hours good for a meal or drink on us at the airport
  • Card earns at the following rates:
    • 3x points on Alaska/Hawaiian purchases
    • 3x points on dining
    • 3x points on foreign transaction purchases
    • 1x points on all other purchases
  • 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account
  • 20% back on all Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines inflight purchases when you pay with your qualifying card
  • 1 status point per $2 spent, and beginning with your first card anniversary, 10,000 status points awarded annually

Our Verdict

We’ve known about this card launching for some time, if you signed up for the 500 free miles last year you can also get another 5,000 free miles by applying through a link they will send you. Overall I don’t think this card is a keeper for most people due to the high annual fee, but could be attractive for the initial sign up bonus. The other Alaska cards also have a 80,000 point bonus currently as well. We will add this to our best credit card bonus page. Read these things everybody should know about Bank of America before applying. 

ETH Traders Eye $10K as Long-Term Bull Case Builds – Investorempires.com








ETH Traders Eye $10K as Long-Term Bull Case Builds – Investorempires.com







































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Nvidia sees agentic AI adoption hindered by computing capacity


Chip-design giant Nvidia is seeing high demand for its graphics processing units amid rising adoption of agentic AI.  The demand is adding to Nvidia’s data center revenue, which increased 56% year over year to $46 billion, according to Nvidia’s fiscal second-quarter 2026 earnings results, announced Aug. 27. Financial institutions are prioritizing deployment of agentic AI […]