Waitlist FAQ

How many students choose to remain on the waitlist?

On average, about 200 students choose to remain on the waitlist each year.

How many people have you admitted from the waitlist in the past?

It depends on the year and the class size. Some years, we are not able to admit any students from the waitlist.

When will I know if I am admitted from the waitlist?

We hope to begin notifying waitlisted students of their admission status in late May and will be in touch as soon as we are able.

I have to commit to another college before I will know if I’m admitted off the Scripps waitlist. What should I do?

We will not be able to give any decisions until mid-May, at the earliest. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you commit to another college by May 1, in case Scripps is not able to offer you a spot.

Should I commit and pay a deposit to another college by May 1?

Yes, we strongly recommend that you commit to another college in case we are not able to offer you admission to Scripps.

Is the waitlist ranked?

No, every student who indicates they would like to remain on the waitlist will be considered, should spaces become available. We review a variety of factors when considering students to admit from the waitlist.

Is there anything else I can do to help my chances of being admitted?

You must submit this form to remain on the waitlist. Please send any updates and additional information to [email protected]. These materials will be considered should we admit students from the waitlist. We do not offer interviews to students on the waitlist.

How do you select students from the waitlist to admit?

We consider a variety of factors when considering students to admit from the waitlist. There is no set formula for how we decide.

If admitted from the waitlist, can I still choose to take a gap year during 2024-25?
When admitting students from the waitlist, we are trying to form the incoming class. If you are admitted from the waitlist and choose to attend Scripps, we expect you to enroll in Fall 2024.

I’m planning to take a gap year (so I won’t be enrolling in any college) and reapply to Scripps next year. What do I need to do to reapply? What kind of gap year programs do you prefer?

You are more than welcome to reactivate your application next year and still be considered a first-year applicant. Please contact us at when ready to do so. We don’t have a list of gap year programs that we prefer, and every student spends their gap year differently. Some students decide to travel, volunteer, work, and so on. Please keep in mind that you may not take courses for credit at another college during your gap year.

Are domestic students given priority over international students on the waitlist?

All students who choose to remain on the waitlist are considered, should spaces become available.

Can I still visit campus?

Those on the waitlist are welcome to visit campus for a campus tour.

If I am admitted from the waitlist, do I have to go to Scripps? In other words, is the decision binding?

No, the decision is not binding. If you are admitted from the waitlist, you are welcome to either enroll at Scripps or decline our offer.

Am I still considered for financial aid when admitted from the waitlist? What about merit-based scholarships?

If you are admitted from the waitlist, you are still considered for need-based financial aid if you have submitted the FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. Scholarships are not awarded to students admitted from the waitlist.