How does being waitlisted for a college work?

Ok Kara C., so here's the scoop on being waitlisted, yes you can accept being waitlisted by UCLA and also accept your seat at USCD while waiting to see if you have gotten accepted to UCLA. Accepting USCD is actually a very good idea because you don't yet know which way UCLA will swing. You always want to have a school locked in so you're not suck without a school. Understand that schools are also waiting for acceptances so based on acceptance or declines thats how enrollments open up.

Hi Kara,

One other note I'll add to Raven's comments is to make sure you check the other deadlines and fees associated with accepting your admission to UCSD that might come up before UCLA gets back to you.

Quick story: I was waitlisted to the University of Washington. While I was waiting to hear back from UW, I accepted admission to Seattle University. The reason I want you to be aware of fees is because Seattle U required a housing deposit with a deadline that occurred before UW was planning on letting me know if I got in. I paid the housing deposit, and ended up having to forfeit it when I was eventually accepted to UW. So speaking from experience, just be aware of what the different deadline dates are and any potential fees that might be included.

Best of luck!