What’s the Difference Between Deferred vs Waitlisted?

Being deferred means your early application is pushed into the regular decision pool, while being waitlisted occurs during the regular decision process and signifies that the college has placed you on a waiting list for admission.

• Deferrals happen during the early decision/action process, while waitlists occur during regular decision.

• Deferred applicants are reconsidered with the regular decision pool, while waitlisted applicants may be admitted if spots open up.

• Both deferred and waitlisted applicants can take steps to improve their chances of admission, such as submitting additional materials and demonstrating continued interest.

Navigating the college admissions process can be a daunting task, especially when faced with unfamiliar terms like “deferred” and “waitlisted.” While both outcomes may feel like setbacks, understanding the key differences between these two decisions is crucial in determining your next steps and maximizing your chances of ultimately gaining admission to your desired college.

Deferred vs Waitlisted

First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that being deferred or waitlisted is not a rejection. In fact, these decisions indicate that the admissions committee sees potential in your application and believes you could be a good fit for their institution. While it may not be the news you were hoping for, it’s important to celebrate the fact that your application stood out enough to warrant further consideration.

So, now is the time to take action and demonstrate your continued interest in the college. Understanding the key differences between a deferral and a waitlist is the first step in crafting a plan to improve your chances of admission. 

What Does It Mean to Be Deferred?

Being deferred means that the college has decided to postpone making a final decision on your application until the regular decision period. In other words, your early application (ED or EA) will be re-evaluated alongside the regular decision applicants, and you'll receive a final decision in March or April.

It's important to note that a deferral is not a rejection. The admissions committee sees potential in your application but wants to compare it to the larger regular decision pool before making a final call.

So, What are Your Next Steps?

If you've been deferred, here are some steps you can take to improve your chances of admission:

1. Contact the admissions office: Reach out to the admissions representative for your region or the dean of admissions to express your continued interest in the college and inquire about any additional information you can provide to strengthen your application.
2. Submit additional materials: If there have been any significant changes or updates to your application (e.g., improved grades, new awards, or accomplishments), be sure to send them to the admissions office. This can demonstrate your growth and commitment to your education.
3. Keep your grades up: Your senior year grades still matter. Maintain a strong academic performance to show the admissions committee that you're ready for college-level work.
4. Review your application and consider updating it: Some colleges may allow you to write a letter of continued interest or an updated personal statement. Use this opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for the college and explain why you believe you're a perfect fit for their community.

How about Waitlists? What Does It Mean to Be Waitlisted?

Video: How to get off the College Waitlist - My Real Story

Being placed on a college's waitlist means that you meet the qualifications for admission, but the college has already accepted their maximum number of applicants for the incoming class. Essentially, the admissions committee is saying, "We like you, but we don't have room for you yet."

When you're on the waitlist, the college may offer you admission if enough accepted students decide not to attend, freeing up spots in the incoming class. However, this process can be unpredictable, as the number of students admitted from the waitlist varies yearly based on the college's yield (the percentage of accepted students who enroll).

What you should do

If you find yourself on a waitlist, consider taking the following steps:

1. Decide if you want to remain on the waitlist: Some colleges require you to formally accept your place on the waitlist. If you're no longer interested in attending that college, it's best to remove yourself from the list and focus on other options.
2. Send a letter of continued interest: Express your ongoing enthusiasm for the college and reiterate why you believe you're a great fit. Highlight any new achievements, awards, or experiences that have strengthened your application since you initially applied.
3. Provide updates on achievements: Keep the admissions office informed of any notable accomplishments, such as improved grades, new leadership roles, or community involvement. This demonstrates your growth and commitment.
4. Be prepared to make a quick decision: If you're admitted off the waitlist, you may have a limited time to decide. Ensure you have a clear understanding of your priorities and are ready to act quickly.

It's crucial to have a backup plan in place, as being waitlisted doesn't guarantee admission. Continue to research and consider other colleges that have offered you acceptance, and remember that your self-worth is not defined by any single college's decision.

Understanding the College Admissions Timeline

To better grasp the context of deferrals and waitlists, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the college admissions timeline. The process typically involves two main application pathways: early decision/action and regular decision.

Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) deadlines:

• Early Decision (ED): Usually due in November, ED is a binding agreement, meaning if you're accepted, you must attend that college.
• Early Action (EA): Also due in November, EA is non-binding, allowing you to apply to multiple schools and make a decision by the regular decision deadline.

Regular Decision (RD) deadlines:

• Regular Decision (RD): Applications are typically due in January or February, with decisions released in March or April.

Notification dates for deferrals, waitlists, and acceptances:

• Deferrals: If you applied ED or EA, you'll typically receive a deferral decision in December. This means your application will be reconsidered with the regular decision pool.
• Waitlists: Waitlist decisions are usually released along with regular decision notifications in March or April.
• Acceptances: For ED and EA, acceptance notifications arrive in December. RD applicants will receive their decisions in March or April.

Understanding these timelines can help you better plan your application strategy and know when to expect decisions. Keep in mind that specific dates may vary by college, so always check the admissions website for the most accurate information.

So, Is It Better to Get Waitlisted or Deferred?

When it comes to college admissions, being waitlisted or deferred can feel like being stuck in limbo. Both outcomes can be frustrating and leave you wondering about your chances of ultimately being accepted. So, is one better than the other?

The truth is, it's difficult to say whether being waitlisted or deferred is "better," as both situations have their own unique challenges and opportunities. Let's take a closer look at each scenario:

Waitlisted

Pros: Being waitlisted means the college believes you're qualified for admission, and there's still a chance you could be accepted if spots open up.

Cons: The waitlist process can be unpredictable, and you may not receive a final decision until late in the admissions cycle, making it harder to plan your future.

Deferred

Pros: A deferral gives you more time to showcase your achievements and demonstrate your interest in the college, potentially improving your chances of admission.

Cons: The uncertainty of a deferral can be stressful, and you'll need to wait longer for a final decision.

Ultimately, both waitlists and deferrals offer a glimmer of hope for admission, and it's essential to approach either situation with a positive attitude and a proactive plan. Rather than focusing on which is "better," use the opportunity to reflect on your application, consider your options, and take steps to improve your chances of success, regardless of the outcome.

Video: What to do if a you're Deferred by Your DREAM SCHOOL!

Waitlisted or Deferred: What the Statistics Tell Us About Your Chances

When faced with a waitlist or deferral decision, it's natural to wonder about your chances of ultimately being accepted. While every college and application cycle is different, looking at recent statistics can provide some insight into the likelihood of admission for waitlisted and deferred students.

Waitlisted Students:

• In the 2018-19 admissions cycle, approximately 10% of applicants to institutions with a waitlist received a spot on the list.
• NACAC's 2019 State of College Admission Report revealed that 20% of first-year applicants were admitted off the waitlist.
• Some colleges share their waitlist statistics on their websites. For instance, Amherst College waitlisted 788 students in fall 2021 but admitted none, while UCLA kept 9,897 students on its waitlist in 2021-22 and admitted 214.
• In the 2020-2021 admissions cycle, only 7% of those who accepted a place on the waitlist at various universities received an admission offer, marking a decline from the previous year.
• For the Class of 2024, 32% of waitlisted applicants were accepted, but this dropped to just 15% for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle.
• At the most selective universities, getting off the waitlist can be incredibly challenging. According to US News, 10 schools in the US admitted less than 3% of applicants from the waitlist, including Chapman University (1.5%), University of Michigan (1.8%), Northwestern University (2.6%), and Cornell University (4.4%).

Deferred Students:

• Acceptance rates for deferred students can vary significantly from year to year, depending on factors such as the size and strength of the applicant pool.
• Some colleges provide information about their deferred admission rates on their websites, offering a glimpse into past trends.
• Most universities release their final admission decisions for deferred students in March or April.
• For example, Harvard deferred 80% of the 10,086 students who applied for admission to the Class of 2025, while MIT deferred 71% (10,673 students) of the 15,081 Early Action applicants.
• Georgetown deferred 7,751 applicants who were not accepted during the early admissions program to the regular decision round.
• Estimates suggest that colleges typically admit between 5-10% of deferred students during the regular decision process, although this can vary widely by institution.
• In general, the admission rate for deferred students tends to be higher than for those on the waitlist.

It's important to note that these statistics represent averages and that your individual chances of admission depend on a variety of factors, including the strength of your application, the competitiveness of the college, and the size of the applicant pool. 

Rather than focusing solely on the numbers, use this information to inform your decision-making process and motivate you to take proactive steps to improve your application if you're deferred or waitlisted.

Factors Contributing to Deferrals and Waitlists

Several factors can influence a college's decision to defer or waitlist an applicant. Understanding these factors can help you make sense of your situation and guide your next steps.

Competitive Applicant Pool 

As the number of college applications continues to rise, the competition for spots at top institutions has become increasingly fierce. With more qualified applicants than available seats, colleges may use deferrals and waitlists to manage enrollment and ensure they have a balanced incoming class.

Institutional Priorities and Goals 

Colleges strive to create a diverse and well-rounded student body that aligns with their institutional goals and values. Factors such as geographic diversity, academic interests, extracurricular talents, and socioeconomic background can all play a role in admissions decisions. Deferrals and waitlists allow colleges to fine-tune their incoming class to meet these priorities.

Balancing the Incoming Class Profile 

Admissions committees aim to create a class that not only meets the college's academic standards but also contributes to a vibrant and engaged campus community. Deferrals and waitlists provide flexibility in shaping the incoming class, allowing colleges to admit students with a wide range of experiences, talents, and perspectives.

Yield Management

Colleges use historical data to predict the percentage of admitted students who will enroll, known as the yield rate. Waitlists serve as a tool for managing yield, ensuring that the college meets its enrollment targets without over-enrolling. By placing some qualified applicants on a waitlist, colleges can maintain a degree of control over the size and composition of the incoming class.

Crafting a Compelling Letter of Continued Interest

If you find yourself deferred or waitlisted, one of the most effective ways to demonstrate your commitment to a college is by submitting a well-crafted letter of continued interest (LOCI). 

This letter serves as an opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the institution, highlight your recent achievements, and explain why you believe you're a perfect fit for the college community.

Key elements to include in your letter of continued interest:

1. Reinforce your interest: Begin your letter by expressing your ongoing enthusiasm for the college and your appreciation for being considered for admission.
2. Highlight your recent achievements: Share any new academic, extracurricular, or personal accomplishments that have occurred since you submitted your initial application. This could include improved grades, awards, leadership positions, or community involvement.
3. Demonstrate your fit with the college: Explain how the college's specific programs, resources, and community align with your academic interests, career goals, and personal values. Show that you've done your research and have a clear understanding of what makes this college unique.
4. Address any concerns: If there were any weaknesses in your initial application, such as a low standardized test score, use this opportunity to provide context and explain how you've worked to improve in those areas.
5. Show your personality: While remaining professional, let your unique voice and personality shine through in your letter. This can help the admissions committee connect with you on a more personal level and envision how you might contribute to the campus community.

Letter of Continued Interest Examples

Example #1 

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to reaffirm my strong interest in attending Columbia University. As a deferred applicant, I remain deeply committed to the idea of joining your dynamic and intellectually stimulating community.

Since submitting my initial application, I have continued to challenge myself academically and have taken on new leadership roles in my extracurricular activities. I recently won first place in the state debate tournament, where I showcase my skills in critical thinking and persuasive communication. Additionally, I was selected to serve as the editor-in-chief of my school's award-winning literary magazine, overseeing a team of talented writers and artists.

I am particularly drawn to Columbia's renowned creative writing program and the opportunity to study under faculty members who are accomplished authors and poets. The university's location in the heart of New York City, with its vibrant literary scene and cultural diversity, aligns perfectly with my own creative aspirations and desire to engage with a wide range of perspectives and experiences.

Furthermore, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to Columbia's thriving student life. As someone who is passionate about social justice and community engagement, I am eager to get involved with organizations like the Columbia University Democrats and the Community Impact volunteer program, where I can work alongside like-minded individuals to make a positive difference on campus and beyond.

Thank you for your continued consideration of my application. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these updates with you and express my unwavering enthusiasm for Columbia University. If admitted, I would be thrilled to bring my unique voice, experiences, and dedication to your exceptional community.

Sincerely, 

Emily Nguyen

Example #2 

Dear Admissions Officer,

I am writing to express my unwavering interest in attending the University of California, Berkeley. As my top choice for college, UC Berkeley's world-class academic programs, diverse student body, and commitment to innovation and sustainability perfectly align with my goals and values.

Since submitting my initial application, I have achieved several notable accomplishments that demonstrate my academic excellence and leadership potential. I maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout my senior year while taking a rigorous course load that includes advanced placement classes in physics, computer science, and English literature. Moreover, I was recently recognized as a National AP Scholar, reflecting my outstanding performance on multiple AP exams.

Beyond my academic achievements, I have continued to make significant contributions to my school and community. As the captain of my school's robotics team, I led our group to a first-place finish in the regional competition and secured a spot in the national championships. This experience not only reinforced my passion for engineering and problem-solving but also highlighted my ability to collaborate effectively with others and guide a team towards success.

UC Berkeley's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and cutting-edge research aligns perfectly with my own intellectual curiosity and desire to make a meaningful impact in the field of robotics. I am particularly excited about the prospect of working with renowned faculty members in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences and engaging in hands-on projects through the Berkeley AI Research Lab.

Additionally, I am drawn to UC Berkeley's strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. As an eco-conscious individual, I am eager to contribute to the university's efforts to promote green initiatives and develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

Thank you for considering my application. I remain deeply committed to attending the University of California, Berkeley, and would be immensely grateful for the opportunity to join your exceptional community of scholars, innovators, and change-makers.

Sincerely, 

Ethan Patel

Next Steps: Navigating Your College Journey After a Deferral or Waitlist Decision

Receiving a deferral or waitlist decision can be disheartening, but it's essential to remember that your college journey is far from over. By taking proactive steps and maintaining a positive outlook, you can make the most of your situation and increase your chances of ultimately achieving your college goals. 

First, focus on crafting a compelling letter of continued interest that showcases your recent achievements, demonstrates your fit with the institution, and reaffirms your commitment to attending if admitted. Next, continue to excel academically and stay involved in extracurricular activities that highlight your strengths and passions. 

Finally, be sure to explore and consider other college options, as it's important to have a solid backup plan in case your deferral or waitlist decision doesn't result in an acceptance. 

Remember, your college journey is unique, and a temporary setback does not define your potential for success. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep pursuing your dreams.

Resources for Deferred and Waitlisted Students

Navigating the college admissions process can be challenging, especially when faced with a deferral or waitlist decision. If you find yourself in need of expert guidance and support, consider reaching out to book a video call with one of our experienced college counselors at Empowerly.

Our team of dedicated professionals is here to help you make the most of your situation and maximize your chances of success. From crafting compelling letters of continued interest to exploring alternative college options, our counselors will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you have the tools and strategies you need to achieve your goals. 

Frequently Asked Questions: