Deferred or Waitlisted? What It Means & What to Do Next
Your parents, friends, and teachers have been cheering you on. You’ve marked the calendar, waiting for this moment. Your heart races as you check your email or school portal for the admissions decision you’ve been anxiously awaiting. With every click, the anticipation intensifies—excitement, nerves, and hope all swirling together in a moment of uncertainty that will soon shape your next chapter.
And then, the decision appears.
Deferred.
What Does a Deferral Mean?
If you’ve been deferred, it usually applies to Early Decision or Early Action applicants. This means the admissions committee hasn’t reached a final decision on your application just yet. Instead of rejecting your application, they’re moving it from the early pool into the regular decision round for further consideration.
A deferral doesn’t mean rejection. You’re still in the running. The college simply needs more time to review your application alongside regular decision applicants.
The Good News:
✅ You are still being considered! The college sees your potential and wants to take another look.
The Not-So-Good News:
⏳ You’ll have to wait longer for a decision—probably until the regular decision notification date.
Why Do Colleges Defer Students?
There are a few reasons why a college might defer you:
- They need more data. Maybe they want to see your first-semester grades or other academic updates.
- You’re a strong applicant, but competition is fierce. The early applicant pool may have been especially competitive, so they want to reassess you later.
- They’re balancing the class. Some colleges use deferrals as a way to ensure they admit a diverse range of students in the regular round.
What You Can Do Next
If you’ve been deferred, don’t just wait—take action to strengthen your application before the final decision is made.
✔ Submit your first-semester grades. Strong grades can reinforce your academic profile.
✔ Send updated test scores (if applicable). If your SAT/ACT scores have improved, send them in.
✔ Provide new extracurricular updates and accomplishments. Did you win an award? Take on a leadership role? Let them know.
✔ Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). This is one of the best ways to reaffirm your desire to attend.
What Is a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)?
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is a professional letter that reaffirms your desire to attend the college and provides meaningful updates on your academic and extracurricular achievements.
What Should You Include in Your LOCI?
- Gratitude: Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application.
- Reaffirm Interest: Clearly express that if accepted, you would still love to attend.
- Updates: Share any academic, extracurricular, or personal accomplishments since applying.
- Professionalism & Positivity: Keep it polite and enthusiastic—this is not the time to complain or question the school’s decision.
💡Grab your free guide to writing a letter of continued interest here!
What If You’re Waitlisted?
If you’ve been waitlisted, it means the admissions committee sees you as a strong candidate but currently doesn’t have space for you in the class. You’re in a holding pattern—still in consideration, but not yet admitted.
How Does the Waitlist Work?
- Colleges start reviewing waitlists after May 1 (National Decision Day).
- If accepted students decline their offers, schools may admit students from the waitlist.
- There’s no guarantee that waitlisted students will be admitted—it depends on how many spots open up.
- Some colleges may invite you to confirm your interest or provide updates.
The Good News:
✅ You still have a chance of being admitted!
The Not-So-Good News:
⏳ Waitlists are unpredictable and movement can happen well into the summer.
What You Can Do If You’re Waitlisted
✔ Confirm your spot on the waitlist. Some colleges require you to opt in.
✔ Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Let them know you’re still interested and update them on any new achievements.
✔ Keep your grades up. Colleges may ask for final transcripts before making a decision.
✔ Have a backup plan. Even if you’re hoping for a waitlist offer, commit to another school by May 1 to secure your spot.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re accepted off the waitlist after committing elsewhere, you may have to make a tough decision—your deposit at the original school might not be refundable.
Final Thoughts: Stay Focused & Keep Your Options Open
Deferrals and waitlists can feel frustrating, but they don’t mean the end of the road. Admissions decisions are complex, and sometimes schools simply need more time to make their final calls.
✔ Stay proactive.
✔ Follow the college’s instructions.
✔ Keep exploring other opportunities.
🎯 Want help crafting your LOCI or strategizing your next steps? Book an hour with Ashlee for expert advice tailored to your unique situation!
No matter what happens, your future is bright! 🌟
