Deferred or Waitlisted? Here's Your Game Plan (And Why You Shouldn't Panic)

Getting a deferral or waitlist decision can feel like being stuck in limbo. You're not rejected, but you're not accepted, and the uncertainty can be frustrating. In this post, I’ll share what these decisions mean and what your next steps should be.

Understanding the Difference

Deferred means that if you applied Early Action or Early Decision, the college has moved your application to the regular decision pool. They want more time to review your application and possibly consider updates that you provide, alongside the larger applicant pool, before making a final decision.

Waitlisted means you've been placed on a list of qualified applicants who may be offered a spot if space becomes available after admitted students make their enrollment decisions. This typically happens in the spring, after the May 1 deposit deadline.

If You've Been Deferred

Each school will provide you with specific instructions on how to accept your deferral.  Follow those instructions, and if allowed by the college, complete the following:

Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

In your letter:

• Thank the admissions office for continuing to consider your application

• Briefly reiterate why this school is a strong fit for you (be specific)

• Share any significant updates since you submitted your application

• Keep it short, 2-3 paragraphs and no more than one page.

If you've accomplished something meaningful since submitting your application, let them know. This might include:

• Improved test scores or grades (especially if you struggled earlier)

• New leadership positions or awards

• Significant community service accomplishments

• Published work, research findings, or artistic achievements

Continue to Demonstrate Interest

If the college tracks demonstrated interest (you can find this information by Googling the college’s Common Data Set).  How can you demonstrate interest?  Try the following:

• Attend virtual information sessions or local events

• If possible and appropriate, schedule a visit or interview

If You've Been Waitlisted

1. Decide If You're Actually Interested

Before you do anything else, ask yourself: “If this school offered me admission tomorrow, would I definitely attend?” If the answer isn't yes, it's okay to decline your spot on the waitlist and focus on the schools that have already said yes to you.

2. Accept Your Waitlist Position By the Deadline Provided By the College

If you want to stay on the waitlist, respond by the deadline the school provides. This is typically a simple form or portal update.

3. Commit to Another School by May 1

This is crucial: you must submit a deposit to another school by the standard May 1 deadline. Being on a waitlist is not a guarantee, and you need to secure your spot somewhere. If you are later admitted to your wait-list school, you can withdraw your spot at the school you committed to. It’s important to note that enrollment deposits are typically non-refundable.

4. If allowed by the college, write a Letter of Continued Interest.

• Explicitly state that this school is your top choice (if it truly is)

• Explain specifically what you would contribute to their campus community

• Share meaningful updates or achievements from your senior year

• If you've visited campus or connected with the community, mention specific experiences that resonated with you

  
  

5. Understand the Timeline

Waitlist movement typically happens between May and July, after the deposit deadline has passed and schools know how many admitted students are actually enrolling. Some schools maintain their waitlists into the summer. Be prepared for uncertainty.

What NOT to Do

Regardless of whether you're deferred or waitlisted, avoid these mistakes:

• Don't have your parents contact the admissions office. You're applying to college, not them. You need to advocate for yourself.

• Don't be pushy with your admissions representative.

• Don't neglect your other applications or acceptances. Hope for the best with your deferred/waitlisted school, but plan for other outcomes.

  
  

The Bottom Line

This moment of uncertainty won't last forever. Keep moving forward, advocate for yourself with grace and authenticity, and trust that you'll end up where you're meant to be.

You've got this.

Contact Me!