If your student is waitlisted at position #8 for a 60-person class at New York University, it indicates a borderline situation. While this position is not an outright rejection, it is also not a guarantee of admission, as the consensus among parents and students suggests that movement from this position is less likely.

Likelihood of Enrollment

• The 10% Rule suggests that positions within 10% of the class size have better chances; at #8, your student is just outside this threshold (approximately 13%).
• Most waitlist movement occurs during the Add/Drop period, typically the first two weeks of the semester, where students finalize their schedules. Positions #1–5 are often seen as likely to gain admission, while those at #10 or higher are generally viewed as less favorable.
• Anecdotal evidence indicates that students have successfully enrolled from positions as high as #12 or #13, but these cases are exceptions rather than the norm.

• Students are encouraged to enroll in alternative classes to maintain full-time status and financial aid eligibility while waiting.
• Utilizing the SWAP feature in the Albert registration system can help automatically enroll the student in a class if a spot opens up.
• Attending the first class and discussing options with the professor may also provide additional opportunities for enrollment.