Some guidance on what to do after receiving either an acceptance, placement on a waitlist, or rejection. The most important takeaway is to remain positive—rejection isn’t a reflection of your worth or talent, and being waitlisted doesn’t mean you’re “not good enough.” The admissions process is complex and subjective, and your journey is far from over.
You’ve finished your applications, pre-screenings, and auditions and/or interviews. Now what? With admissions decisions upon us, I think many applicants are wondering about what comes after the letter? Regardless of the outcome, I want to share some ideas to make this next chapter of the process less stressful.
**These are my own opinions from my experiences as an applicant and an admissions counselor.**
If you don’t get admitted: This will apply to Oberlin, and any other school that “rejects” you. It’s important to sit with your feelings and process them. It’s also really important to know when to let them go. We’ve all heard from multiple people, in multiple places, that the journey of an artist will include a lot of “NOs.” I think a better way to frame this journey is to remember that music is SO subjective and a “no” is never a permanent judgement of your creativity, musical abilities, or who you are as a person. Sometimes, being denied an opportunity like getting into a particular school is a new opportunity in itself to fully explore other options you have. Above all, not going to a specific school doesn't mean you won’t have the future you’ve dreamed of or are working towards. The work you put in and the passion you have for music will take you far in the long run.
Additionally, not all successful musicians attended top-tier conservatories. There are countless examples of musicians who thrived after attending a wide variety of institutions, or who took non-traditional paths to success. Explore different schools or universities where you were admitted, or seek other paths to continue your education and training. That's what's important.
If you get waitlisted: Being waitlisted can feel like a limbo between acceptance and rejection. First, determine if the school that waitlisted you is still of interest. Consider the schools that have accepted you and weigh them against the ones where you’re waitlisted. If a waitlist offer is still appealing, let the admissions office and/or faculty know you’re still enthusiastic about attending. If not, let the admissions office know if you do not wish to remain on the waitlist. And don’t forget to submit any required forms that may be necessary to indicate your interest.
Update the school with any new accomplishments—competitions, awards, or performance opportunities that show your continued growth—but avoid being overly persistent. One or two follow-up communications should suffice. You want to let the schools know you’re still excited but allow them the space to make decisions. Also, remember feedback may not be possible. Understand that oftentimes any audition feedback is incredibly specific and may not speak to your overall musicality. The biggest takeaway from any audition is to celebrate what you did well and keep improving on what you can.
Remember, being waitlisted means the school sees potential in you, so stay patient and open to whatever may come. Decisions may change, and spots may open up if other students decline their offers. Be sure to take time to continue exploring the schools to which you’ve been accepted also, and make a decision about where you will choose to enroll if you do not get off the waitlist at another institution. Often waitlist activity can happen in the final days before the enrollment deadline, if at all, so you want to be prepared.
If you get admitted: Congratulations! This is the ideal situation and celebrations should be in order—but keep in mind that now the ball is in your court, and you have a decision to make. Review the details of the admissions and financial aid letters, and reach out to the respective offices with any questions you may have.
Choosing the right school isn’t always about finding the “best” school—it’s about finding the right fit for you. Take full advantage of every opportunity to connect with the school. Attend visit days, watch virtual sessions, check out their social media, talk to faculty, and learn more about their career preparation resources. All of this will help you make an informed decision about your next steps.
No matter where you land in the admissions process, remember to stay positive and keep moving forward. This is just one chapter in your musical journey, and no outcome defines your potential for success. Keep growing, stay passionate, and trust that the right opportunity will come your way!
