Deferred vs. Waitlist in college admissions?

Hi there! Can someone explain the difference between being deferred and waitlisted in the college admissions process? How do schools decide which applicants to defer and which to waitlist? And what should I do if I find myself in either situation? Thanks!

Hello! Sure, I'm happy to explain the differences between being deferred and waitlisted in the college admissions process:

Deferred occurs during the Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) application cycle. If a school defers you, it means they didn't accept you in the early round, but your application will be reviewed again in the Regular Decision (RD) round. Schools may defer applicants if they need more time to assess your application in the context of the RD applicant pool or if your application is strong but not strong enough to be accepted in the early round.

Waitlisted happens during the RD cycle. If a school waitlists you, it signifies that your application is strong, but there aren't enough open spots in the incoming class. Colleges may admit applicants from the waitlist if a sufficient number of accepted students choose not to enroll. Being waitlisted doesn't guarantee eventual admission, as the number of spots that become available varies each year.

How schools decide to defer or waitlist applicants depends on each institution's individual policies and priorities, as well as the strength of the overall applicant pool for a given year. Generally, schools try to create a balanced and diverse class, so various factors like academic performance, extracurricular involvement, essays, demonstrated interest, and other considerations play a role in their decision.

If you find yourself deferred, you should:

1. Keep your grades up: Maintain your strong academic performance throughout your senior year, as your final grades can still impact the outcome.

2. Submit any additional information: If you have new accomplishments or updates, inform the admissions office. This could include awards, extracurricular achievements, or improved test scores (if the school considers them).

3. Consider a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): Write a thoughtful letter expressing your genuine interest in attending the school, highlighting any new achievements or experiences since you initially applied.

4. Apply to other schools: Despite the deferment, there's still no guarantee of admission in the RD round, so make sure you have a balanced list of schools to apply to.

If you are waitlisted, you can:

1. Submit a LOCI: Like deferred applicants, you can write a letter expressing your strong interest in attending the school and highlighting any new accomplishments or experiences since you submitted your application.

2. Stay in communication: Keep in touch with the admissions office to demonstrate continued interest and stay informed about any developments regarding the waitlist.

3. Research plan B options: Because admissions from waitlists aren't guaranteed, it's crucial to have alternative schools you're excited about attending. Keep researching and visiting other schools to remain prepared.

4. Be patient: The waitlist process can be unpredictable and might extend even into the summer months before a decision is made.

Remember that being deferred or waitlisted doesn't mean rejection; it means the school sees potential in your application but hasn't committed to accepting you yet. Stay proactive, maintain your academic performance, and continue to demonstrate your strong interest in the school during the process. Good luck!