Waiting Lists

Matc's waitlist policy

Waiting Lists

You may have heard about “petitioning” to gain entry into certain MATC programs. This process has been replaced with a structured waiting list system.

When the number of applicants exceeds the available seats (in an associate degree, technical diploma, or certificate program) with limited capacity, students are placed on a waiting list. Once all academic preparedness requirements are met (if applicable) and seats become available, students are admitted from the waiting list into technical courses based on application date, time and residency status.

Academic preparedness requirements are the minimum criteria students must meet in order to be taken off the waiting list. These may include a minimum GPA, entrance exam scores, or completion of specific general education courses. Requirements vary by program and can be found on each program’s webpage.

Note for associate degree programs: These programs typically include general education courses (such as English and math). Students on the waiting list are encouraged to complete these courses while they wait.

If you have been accepted into a program and placed on a waiting list, the following overview explains what to expect.

How It Works

1. Joining the Waiting List
   You must opt into the waiting list for your desired program when completing your admissions application. Once your application is submitted, you will be added to that program’s waiting list.
   
   Your position on the list is determined by:
   • The date and time of your application, and
   • Your residency status
     
     
   Priority is given in the following order:
   1. Residents of the MATC District (Milwaukee County, most of Ozaukee County, and the Germantown School District in Washington County)
   2. Wisconsin residents outside the MATC District
   3.  Out-of-state applicants
2. Confirming Your Interest
   Each semester, you will receive a Student Waitlist Participation Confirmation form to confirm whether you wish to remain on the waitlist.
   • Sent on February 1 (for Summer and Fall terms)
   • Sent on September 1 (for Winter and Spring terms)
   • Delivered to both your MATC student email and your personal email on file
   You must respond within 14 calendar days to keep your place on the waitlist. Failure to respond will result in removal from the list.
3. Academic Preparedness Review
   Your student record will be reviewed before each term by your Academic and Career Pathway team:
   • March 1 (for Summer and Fall terms)
   • October 1 (for Winter and Spring terms)
     
     
   This review determines whether you have met all academic preparedness requirements (if applicable). Please refer to your program’s webpage at matc.edu if you are unsure of these requirements.
4. Receiving a Seat Offer
   Once you meet all requirements and a seat becomes available, you will receive a program seat offer:
   • Beginning March 1 (for Summer and Fall terms)
   • Beginning October 1 (for Winter and Spring terms)
     
     
   You must respond by the stated deadline (typically within two weeks) by completing the Waitlist Program Seat Offer form and selecting one of the following:
   • Accept
   • Decline
   • Defer
5. Registering for Courses
   After accepting your seat, you must register for the required technical courses in your program by the stated deadline (typically within two weeks). Failure to register will result in removal from both the waiting list and the program. If a student wishes to continue, they must then reapply to the waitlist.

Important Reminders

• Timely and accurate responses to all waitlist communications are essential.
• Check your MATC student email and personal email daily.

Program Capacity and Wait Times

Below is a list of programs with limited capacity, including estimated wait times after all academic preparedness requirements are met (if applicable).

Please note that wait times are estimates based on current demand and available capacity. They may change due to fluctuations in application volume and how quickly students complete requirements.

If you have questions about your waitlist status, please call 414-297-7765.

* This program maintains a joint waiting list. See program webpage for details.

** Before taking core courses, a student must complete the program's academic preparedness requirements. See program webpage for details.

Program capacity and wait times are subject to change.