US News and World Report
April 9, 2010 (Zach Miners)
One thing to remember is that not everyone can go to the number one school on their list. There just is not enough room at most universities. The wait list is a holding tank for the students that have impressed the admissions committee but may not be accepted because all the available places are full. Because a significant number of students do not attend many of the schools that accept them, there will usually be invitations to attend for some of the students on the wait list. See what you can do to increase your chances of being one of those students.