Deferred or Waitlisted? What is the Difference? What Can You Do?

The Class of 2023 is receiving early action college admissions decisions. Based on what we are seeing, like last year, we expect to see more application records broken in the coming weeks and months and, as a result, more rejections, deferrals, and waitlist placements. 

The University of Georgia received 21% more applications than last year. More of our high-achieving students than ever applied to Clemson, knowing it would be a reach. When the 2023 admissions cycle is over, I suspect that Clemson will also break an application record. While the reasons for the insane numbers are a discussion for another day, the recent Freakonomics Radio podcast The University of Impossible-to-Get-Into tackles the simple supply and demand aspect and the role scarcity plays in maintaining prestige.

As many more colleges prepare to release early application admissions decisions in the coming weeks, now is a good time to educate yourself about the potential outcomes so that, if necessary, you are prepared to pivot quickly.

What is the difference between being deferred and waitlisted, and what, if anything, can be done in these scenarios?

Deferred  

Although certainly not the outcome desired, there is hope! A deferral means that admissions officers will consider your application again: it’s like getting “a do-over.” If you applied EA or ED, the easiest way to think of a deferral is that your application has been put into the regular decision pool; it will be considered again, and you will receive a final answer at a later date (probably in the spring).

What Can You Do if You are Deferred?

• Remember that YOU are the master of your college process, and act accordingly
• Read the deferral notice CAREFULLY and follow the college’s procedures! 
• Get advice from your high school and/or independent college admissions counselor
• Contact your regional admissions officer directly or have your high school counselor reach out to confirm continued interest
• Think of ways to promote personal growth further
• Ensure that your high school counselor sends current and/or end-of-semester grades
• Consider sending an additional recommendation if permitted
• When the opportunity is available in your student portal, provide additional, MEANINGFUL information (Note: Be judicious in defining what is meaningful) 

Waitlisted

A waitlist decision signals that an institution is finished reviewing your application. If you are placed on a college’s waitlist, make no mistake, you are Plan B for that college (i.e., you are not a priority). As a result, that institution you should become YOUR Plan B. If it is your top choice and it comes to fruition, great; if not, it is important to consider the following:

What Can You Do if You are Waitlisted?

• Remember that YOU are the master of your college process, and act accordingly
• Read the waitlist letter CAREFULLY and follow the college’s procedures! (students often are required to take action if they want to accept a spot on the waitlist)
• Understand the institution’s waitlist history (at competitive schools, the chances of being accepted after being waitlisted are slim)
• Reexamine your interest level, and, if still high, consider writing a letter of continued interest and including any noteworthy accomplishments since you applied 
• Look more closely at the schools where you are part of their Plan A (i.e., accepted)
• Consider other options, time permitting

Remember: whether you are deferred, waitlisted, or rejected is more about institutional priorities than you, it is not personal!

Although the admissions process can feel like a highly charged emotional rollercoaster, be assured that you will get into a great college. Life does not end with a rejection letter; it simply takes a temporary, albeit uncomfortable, turn. Work hard, and nothing will stop you from reaching your goals!

For more information on what can be done if you're deferred or waitlisted or anything regarding the college admissions process, drop us a line at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.