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

• Expert Tip #1: Rejective and popular are not proxies for quality.
• Expert Tip # 2:  Most colleges, including many with phenomenal student outcomes,  admit most applicants. For more information, read “A Trend Colleges Might Not Want Applicants to Notice: It’s Becoming Easier to Get In.”
• Expert Tip # 3: Being deferred, waitlisted, or rejected is NOT a judgment of your worth or potential for success—it is about math and institutional priorities. It’s not personal!
• Expert Tip # 4: Waitlist activity has increased due to the uncertainty around international enrollment at highly selective schools—including Harvard, BU, and Duke.

The high school Class of 2026 is currently receiving early action (EA) (e.g., Clemson) and early decision (ED) college admissions decisions (e.g., Boston College). Data from recent years, combined with feedback from colleges, suggests we will continue to see record-breaking application numbers at many selective colleges and universities. Unfortunately, this will likely result in more rejections, deferrals, and waitlist notifications from the most selective and popular colleges. Beyond the most selective institutions, we have noticed a trickle-down effect as high-achieving students (<15% class rank) are being deferred and waitlisted by the Clemsons, Auburns, Elons, and Drexels of the world. 

Expert Tip💡 Rejective and popular are not proxies for quality.

Leading bulk Early Action notifications for the Class of 2030 are the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech.

This year, the increasingly popular SEC state flagship, the University of Georgia, received 34,280+ early applications for the Class of 2030, up 13% from last year. Of the 13,530+ in-state applicants, 6,100 were admitted with an in-state admit rate of about 43%. 

Notably, UGA received more than 20,000 early applications from non-GA residents, reflecting an upward trend in applications to “big Southern football schools.” Click to read: The Southern College Boom and  Students Are Ditching Ivy League Dreams for Southern Colleges. 

Similarly, Georgia Tech received a record number of early applications from Georgia residents. Applications to the Atlanta-based STEM powerhouse were up by 7.3% from last year. Of note was Georgia Tech’s commendable efforts to recruit students from traditionally underrepresented groups (15% of admitted students were from rural areas, 15% from Title I schools, and 14% from first-generation students).

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 the prestige of the most selective institutions.

Expert Tip💡 Most colleges, including many with phenomenal student outcomes,  admit most applicants. For more information, read “A Trend Colleges Might Not Want Applicants to Notice: It’s Becoming Easier to Get In.”

As more colleges prepare to release early application admissions decisions in the coming weeks and months (click HERE for a carefully curated list, courtesy of College KickStart), now is a good time to ensure you understand what the potential non-admit outcomes mean so that you are prepared to pivot quickly and strategically.

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

Deferred  

Although a deferral may not be the result you were hoping for, there’s still a chance. A deferral means admissions officers will give your application a second look—it’s like a reset. If you applied Early Action or Early Decision, think of it as your application being shifted to the regular decision pool. It will be reviewed again, and you’ll receive a final decision later, most likely in the spring.

What to Do If You Are Deferred:

ONE: Review All Instructions Carefully

Read your deferral notice closely. Each college has its own process, and following directions precisely is essential

TWO: Consult with Your Counselor or Admissions Advisor

Seek guidance from experts, such as your high school and/or an independent college admissions counselor(s), to determine a realistic and strategic plan.

THREE: Communicate Continued Interest (If Permitted)

Reach out to your regional admissions officer—or request that your high school counselor do so—to affirm that the college remains a top choice. Keep your message concise, genuine, and aligned with the college’s stated guidelines.

FOUR:  Provide Updated Academic Information

Work with your counselor to ensure the college receives your latest grades or semester updates as soon as they're available.

FIVE: 5. Share New, Meaningful Achievements

If the college allows additional materials, submit only substantive updates, such as awards, improved grades, significant projects, or expanded leadership roles. Be judicious in defining what is substantive.

SIX: Consider an Additional Recommendation (If Permitted)

If the college invites supplemental recommendations, choose someone who can provide new insight into your growth, character, or recent accomplishments.

SEVEN: Stay Engaged and Keep Growing

Continue making progress academically and personally. Your ongoing development matters—not only to the college reviewing your file but to your future, wherever you enroll.

When deferred, taking thoughtful, strategic steps to update your application file may help strengthen your position—but keep perspective. You remain fully in control of your college path. Don’t lose sight of your personal agency and resist the temptation to put all of your energy and hope into the college that deferred you. Instead, revisit the other schools on your list, especially those that have already admitted you: they want you!

Waitlisted

Receiving a waitlist decision means the college has completed its review of your application and decided not to offer you a spot—yet. Being placed on a waitlist effectively makes you Plan B for that institution, meaning it should also become your Plan B. If the opportunity materializes and it remains your top choice, great. However, it’s essential to keep other options in focus and consider the following steps:

What to Do If You Are Waitlisted

One: Remember You’re in Control

Take charge of your process by grounding yourself in the fact that you—not any single college—ultimately shape your college and life journey. Keep your priorities and well-being at the forefront of your mind.

TWO: Follow the College’s Instructions Precisely

Read your waitlist notification carefully. Many colleges require you to opt in to remain on the waitlist or submit specific materials. If the college remains a top choice, follow their process and submit a letter of continued interest if it is allowed.

THREE: Understand the Odds

Research the institution’s waitlist history on its website, in the Common Data Set, or in other reliable sources. At highly competitive colleges, the likelihood of admission from the waitlist can be exceedingly low. If that is the case, consider submitting a deposit to a college where you’ve been admitted.

FOUR: Focus on Your Actual Options

Reevaluate your list and invest time in exploring the colleges that have already accepted you. These schools have prioritized you and likely offer excellent opportunities aligned with your goals.

A Word on the Anticipated Decrease in International Students and Selective College Waitlists

Early numbers from the Common Application show a decrease in the number of international student applications to American colleges and universities. Further, research by NAFSA (Association of International Educators) projects a 30-40 percent decline this fall in new international student enrollment. What is unknown is how many international students will apply, gain admission, only to find they can’t secure a student visa. Last year’s experience provides additional data. Dr. Keri Omuro, Institutional Research Analyst with College Kickstart, noted: “One of the suspicions we had last spring was that we expected to see increased waitlist activity due to the uncertainty around international enrollment. This turned out to be true, as there have been several documented cases from highly selective schools—including Harvard, BU, Duke -- you’d expect to be able to weather the storm.” In short, it seems reasonable to suggest that the waitlist math could be impacted.

Being waitlisted is not the end of your journey. Despite natural feelings of disappointment, in the grand scheme (i.e., life), it is a minor detour. Stay proactive, flexible, strategic, and positive to ensure your next steps reflect your goals, values, and long-term success.

Expert Tip💡 Being deferred, waitlisted, or rejected is NOT a judgment of your worth or potential for success—it is about math and institutional priorities. It’s not personal!

Cliche HERE To learn more about what you can and cannot control in selective college admissions.

While the admissions process can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, trust that your path to success is yours to forge: you get to decide your future, not a college admissions committee. A rejection letter doesn’t define you; it simply redirects you. Embrace the moment, adapt, and keep striving—your hard work and determination will lead you to incredible opportunities.

If you have questions about navigating deferrals, waitlists, or any part of the college admissions journey, don’t hesitate to contact us at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.