WAITLISTS ARE HARDER THAN EVER…GRADUATION SEASON IS HERE

May 14, 2026

Editor's Note

It's officially the final stretch of the school year — AP exams, finals, prom, graduation, college decisions, waitlists… and yes, dorm decor and graduation gifts too.

One of the biggest college conversations this week? Waitlists. New reports suggest getting off a waitlist may now be harder than getting admitted in the first place, as schools struggle to predict enrollment in today's increasingly unpredictable admissions landscape.

AI and college essays are also dominating headlines, with one new study suggesting lower-income students may be more likely to use AI tools during the admissions process — raising important questions about equity, access, and authenticity moving forward.

Meanwhile, commencement speeches are flooding social media — including the now-viral speech at UCF — reminding families just how emotional, nostalgic, and exciting this season can feel.

Here at The College & Dorm Corner, we're fully leaning into graduation season with pop-up events, curated gift ideas, dorm drops, college merch, and celebration inspo to help families mark these milestone moments. Because while the college journey may feel overwhelming at times… these are the moments everyone will remember.

In This Issue

🎓 Why college waitlists are getting even harder
🤖 AI + college essays: the new admissions debate
🎤 The viral UCF commencement speech
🎁 Graduation gift ideas + our latest pop-up events
☎️ College Marni's "Telephone Game" article
📚 Dorm to Doorstep by Hilary Afshary
📈 The student accepted to 65 colleges

Upcoming Events

Come see us in Scarsdale, NY on May 20th!Click the link in our bio for more details.

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The Only Thing Harder Than Getting Into College Is Getting Off the Waitlist

College waitlists have ballooned to give schools options — but at some schools, the waitlist is far more selective than the college's overall acceptance rate. That's a tough reality for thousands of waitlisted students still holding out hope after the May 1 commitment deadline passed. Why is this happening? Read More

Low-Income Students More Likely to Submit AI-Generated Essays

According to a 2024 survey, about half of college applicants use AI to brainstorm their college essay, and one in five use it to create a first draft. A recent study by researchers at Cornell and Carnegie Mellon found that high-income students may be less likely to use AI because they have more access to other writing supports. Read More

Deal Reached With Hackers to Delete Data Stolen From Canvas

The company that operates Canvas struck a deal with hackers to delete data stolen in a cyberattack that created chaos for students in the middle of finals. Instructure said it "reached an agreement with the unauthorized actor involved in this incident." Read More

Celebrity Commencement Speech Season Is Here

Schools across the country are hosting commencement ceremonies with honored speakers passing along words of wisdom. Over the years, celebrities including Taylor Swift, Oprah, Will Ferrell, Jerry Seinfeld, and the Obamas have all taken the stage. See what celebs, sports leaders, and entrepreneurs are speaking this year. Read More

UCF graduates clobber commencement speaker with boos after she says AI is the "next Industrial Revolution." Read More

"The College Admissions Telephone Game"

By College Marni

Remember the childhood telephone game? One person whispers something… and by the end, the message is completely different. That's exactly what college admissions can feel like today. From rumors about acceptance rates to social media pressure, this article is a reminder to tune out the noise and stay focused on your own college journey. Read More from College Marni

🎓 Graduation Season Is Here!

We had the best time at our recent shopping event in Fairfield County. We'll be at a private home in Scarsdale, NY on May 20th — click the link for details!

📚 Dorm to Doorstep

Sending your child to college is exciting… but let's be honest, it can also feel emotional, overwhelming, and full of questions no one really prepares you for. That's why we love Dorm to Doorstep by Hilary Afshary — a thoughtful guide for parents navigating the transition from having your child at home to watching them begin life on their own. 💙 Click here for my conversation with the author and to buy the book.