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You found a school that felt right. You applied. And then came the message no parent wants to read: your child has been waitlisted — or declined.
It’s a common situation, especially in cities like Singapore, KL, and Bangkok, where some international schools fill up quickly. But it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
This post walks through what to do next and how doris helps families keep their options open — without starting from scratch.
Step 1: Understand What the Response Means
| Response | What It Typically Indicates |
|---|---|
| Waitlisted | The school is full for your child’s year group, but may reopen a spot later. |
| Deferred | The school may consider your child for a later term or year. |
| Not Offered | Your application didn’t meet criteria, or there’s limited space. You may be invited to apply again in future. |
If you’re unsure what the message means, contact the admissions team for clarification.
Step 2: Ask the Right Questions
If your child is waitlisted or not offered a place, you can still gather helpful context:
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Is there a chance a place will open before term starts?
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Can I remain on the waitlist and accept another offer in the meantime?
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What factors affected our outcome (e.g. space, language, year group)?
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Do you recommend applying again in a different year or term?
Admissions teams are usually open to transparent conversations — and your next decision may depend on what they share.
Step 3: Revisit Your Shortlist
This is where doris can help immediately. Many families using doris build a shortlist of 3–5 schools from the start, knowing things may shift.
On doris, you can:
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Revisit your previously saved shortlist
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View updated availability for other schools
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Compare curriculum, class size, language support, and fees
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Message schools directly to check open places
Step 4: Stay Flexible with Intake Dates and Grade Level
If you’re moving mid-year or applying close to the start of term, consider:
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Applying for the next available intake (e.g. January or August)
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Looking at rolling admissions schools
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Accepting a place at a good-fit alternative and reviewing next year
Some families opt for a transitional school year, giving their child time to settle while keeping longer-term options open.
FAQs
Should I wait for a spot or secure another school now?
It depends on the strength of your second-choice option and how long the waitlist is. doris helps you weigh both by comparing key features.
Can I apply to multiple schools at once?
Yes — and many families do. It increases your options and lowers the risk of missing a term start.
Will being waitlisted hurt future applications?
No. If anything, it shows your family is organised and planning ahead. Just make sure to update your documents if you reapply.
Final Thoughts
Not getting your first-choice school can be frustrating — but it’s not the end of the road. With clear information, timely action, and tools like doris to guide your search, you can still find a school that fits your family well.