What to Do If You’re Deferred or Waitlisted: A Practical Guide for Students

College admissions season can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially if you receive a deferral or a spot on the waitlist. While neither outcome is the “yes” you hoped for, both keep you in the running. Understanding what these decisions mean and what you should (and shouldn’t) do next can help you move forward with confidence.

*First Things First - Contact us quickly to let us know that you have received a response from a college so that we can help you!!!!

Definitions: A Deferral vs. Waitlist

If you applied Early Action or Early Decision and were deferred, the college has moved your application into the Regular Decision pool. This is not a rejection. It simply means the admissions committee wants to compare your application alongside the full applicant group in the regular admission round. Often out-of-state students applying to public universities in another state will be deferred in the Early Action round while they wait to see how many in-state students accept (their state legislatures often require a certain percentage of students enrolled to be from their home state). Chances of admission after a deferral vary widely. Some schools admit only about 10% of deferred applicants, while others accept 30–50%. You will still be given a final decision prior to May 1st so that you can make a decision about where you want to enroll.

If you receive a waitlist offer, it means that they have reviewed your application and at this time, they have extended acceptances to other students and there is not space for you in their programs. But if they have more students decline their offers than expected (in the major you are seeking) they may extend you an acceptance in May, June, or even July, long after the college acceptance deadline.  Being waitlisted can feel confusing - you weren’t denied, but you weren’t admitted either. Colleges use waitlists to manage yield (how many students ultimately come to their college), and the number of students admitted off a waitlist varies dramatically by school and year. But generally, if you are waitlisted, you should begin making plans to attend another college, and assume that you will not be offered a spot. 

What to Do if You Are Deferred?

Reassess Your Current Acceptances

First, look at the schools that have already admitted you. If you’re certain you prefer those options and your family is comfortable with the cost, you may choose to withdraw your deferred application.

But only make that decision based on accepted schools.
Schools you’re still waiting on should not factor into this choice yet.

If your deferred school is still high on your list, or you're unsure, continue in the process.

Improve Your Chances To Be Admitted After a Deferral

Each college provides specific instructions in your applicant portal. Follow those carefully. Common steps include:

The Do’s and Don’ts for Deferrals (and Waitlists)

The Do’s 

• Contact your Guide to Thrive advisor and let them know! They will help!
• Follow the College Instructions Carefully. Their processes differ.  Some common things colleges might have you do.
• Submit a form confirming you want to remain in consideration
• Send an updated transcript when midyear grades are available
• Send new SAT/ACT scores (only if they reflect improvement)
• Complete an optional short-answer or supplemental essay
• Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) (see details below)
• Do absolutely nothing at all - some colleges instruct you not to contact them

The Don’ts (What Not to Do)

• Do NOT have a parent contact admissions on your behalf
• Do NOT call or visit the admissions office repeatedly
• Do NOT restate information already in your application
• Do NOT wait too long to answer an additional essay, turn in a continued interest form, etc.
• Do NOT submit a rushed or careless LOCI - it matters!

What is a LOCI and Should You Write One?

A Letter of Continued Interest tells the college that you’re still committed to being considered and updates them on meaningful achievements since you applied.

If you still want to attend that school, the answer is yes, you should write a LOCI, even if the college doesn’t explicitly ask for one. Only if the college specifically instructs you NOT to should you not write this letter!

A Strong LOCI Includes:

1. Gratitude
   Thank the admissions team for continuing to review your application.
2. Clear Interest
   If the school is truly your first choice and you will enroll if admitted, say so honestly.
   If it's among several top choices, express strong continued interest.
3. New Information
   Share only updates that occurred after you submitted your application, such as:

• Improved grades in rigorous courses
• Higher test scores
• A new leadership role or responsibility
• A job or internship
• Awards, recognitions, or notable achievements

Your goal is to give the admissions committee something new and positive to consider.

Note:  I will help you with all of your LOCIs!

What to Do If You’re Waitlisted

1. Follow the College’s Instructions Exactly

Log into your portal and complete any required steps immediately. Many colleges require you to confirm that you want to stay on the waitlist.

Note: Some schools don’t allow additional materials, so always check policies first.

2. Submit a LOCI (If Allowed)

Just as with deferrals, a LOCI can help if the school accepts them.
Focus on new accomplishments, not a repeat of your application.

3. Ask Your Counselor for Support

If your high school counselor or a trusted teacher has a connection to the college, they may be able to advocate on your behalf.

4. Secure Your Backup Plan

You must submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) and deposit to another school by May 1. If you later get off the waitlist for another school later, you can switch, but you need a guaranteed spot for fall.

5. Keep Your Grades Up

Midyear and final transcripts may be reviewed for waitlisted students.

6. Be Patient

Waitlist movement comes late, once they see who enrolls at their college. Some decisions come in May, others in June or July. Most waitlists are closed by July.

7. Celebrate Your Other Acceptances

Don’t put your college decision and your happiness on hold! The schools that admitted you did so because they believe you will thrive there.

Final Thoughts

Deferrals and waitlists can be emotionally tough, but they are not the end of your admissions journey. Follow instructions carefully, submit strong updates, stay proactive, and keep your focus on the excellent options already available to you.

You have schools that are excited to welcome you, and your success will be determined far more by your engagement once you arrive than by the selectivity of the campus you choose.