Your position on the Parcoursup waiting list changes every morning based on the withdrawals of higher-ranked candidates. Here's how to read and anticipate your progression.
How does my position on the Parcoursup waiting list change?
Your position on the Parcoursup waiting list changes every morning when application files are updated. Each time a higher-ranked candidate declines their offer, you move up one place. You can track this progression directly in your Parcoursup file.
How do you read your position?
In your file, each "On hold" application choice displays:
- Your current position: your rank on the waiting list at this moment
- Your initial position: your rank at the start of the admission phase
- The rank of the last candidate admitted last year: for comparison
- Your position last year at the same date: an indicator of likely progression
How often does it change?
Once a day, every morning, when Parcoursup files are updated. So you can check your position every morning to see whether you have moved up.
How can you estimate your chances?
Compare your current position to the rank of the last candidate admitted last year:
- If your position is lower than the rank of the last candidate admitted last year → strong chances of receiving an offer
- If it is close → average chances
- If it is much higher → low chances, but not zero, especially at the start of the phase
⚠️ These indicators are estimates, not guarantees: candidate behavior changes every year.
Why might my position stay the same?
Several possible reasons:
- Baccalauréat exam period: from June 12 to 19, deadlines are suspended, so there are fewer movements
- Highly sought-after program: higher-ranked candidates accept their place
- Start of the phase: the first few days are often quiet
Should you give up if your position stays the same?
No. Waiting lists often move in spurts, particularly at the end of the baccalauréat exams (around June 20) and after the publication of the baccalauréat results (early July), when many candidates finalize their choices.
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