What should I do if waitlisted for a private school?

If you’re still interested in the school, let them know and accept a position on the waitlist. It’s okay to ask about your chances of being admitted and a timeline; just be prepared that the purpose of the waitlist is to fill unexpected openings, so they may not be able to provide the desired clarity. The hard truth is that only a small percentage of students are admitted off most schools' waitlists, so your best option is to accept an admission offer at another school. If you subsequently receive an offer from the waitlisted school, you can still take it; however, it will likely mean forfeiting your deposit at the second school.