Getting deferred or waitlisted from your dream university can be frustrating, especially after putting so much effort into your application.
But don’t lose hope! Defer and waitlist decisions are not a "no!"
So, what should you do if you're deferred or waitlisted?
1. Understand What a Deferral or Waitlist Means
Deferral: If you applied early action (EA) or early decision (ED) and were deferred, your application has been moved to the regular decision pool. The university has not made a final decision yet, and you’re still in the running. Your application will be reviewed again in regular decision reading, and you may still get admitted.
Waitlist: If you were waitlisted during regular decision, it means the university considers you a strong candidate but doesn’t have space for you yet. If spots open up later, you could be offered admission.
2. Follow Instructions Carefully
Some universities provide specific instructions for deferred or waitlisted applicants.
Make sure you read and follow their instructions. It is not uncommon for universities to request that you do NOT submit additional letters of recommendation, essays, etc. If the university is expressly asking you to NOT submit something, you should respect that.
However, following up with a letter of continued interest (LOCI), which is not a letter but an email, is the most common 'next step' when you have been deferred or waitlisted. Click the template link below for an example of how to write a letter of continued interest.
3. What Does a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) Do?
A LOCI does these things:
Reaffirms your interest in the school.
Lets the university know that they remain your top choice, and if offered a place off the waitlist, you will enroll.
Provides meaningful updates about your achievements since the time of application like:
Receiving academic awards or honors
Improving your grades or test scores
Taking on leadership roles in clubs or organizations
Starting or completing a meaningful project
Reminds the admission office of the contributions you will make to the university's campus.
Importantly, the LOCI is not another essay. It's contents should be short, original, and informative, i.e. don't copy and paste the "Additional Information Section" of the Common Application in and call if a LOCI!
Are you preparing to write a Letter of Continued interest? Read more advice here for crafting the perfect LOCI.
4. Avoid Overcommunication
It’s tempting to keep checking in with the admissions office, but excessive communication is not a “more is better” situation. Instead, follow the instructions sent to you from the university, and if that includes the submission of an LOCI, focus on submitting one well-crafted communication. Then leave it alone for a little while.
The truth about the deferral and waitlist process is that it takes a whole lot of patience. For deferral applicants, you will likely wait until the release of Regular Decision admission results before you get closer.
For waitlisted students, the timeline for waitlist movement can vary year-to-year and college-to-college. However, each college uses their waitlist as a tool to continue shaping their class. So, they will wait to see which and how many admission offers are collected before turning to their waitlists.
Only reach out again to the admission office if new or notable updates become relevant to the review of your candidacy.
5. Reflect on Your College List
If you have been deferred, consider any opportunities that might exist for Early Decision II programs in your application list. Of course, you should only do this if you are truly interested in the EDII options available to you.
If you have been waitlisted, remember that a waitlist doesn’t guarantee admission later. It’s vitally important to stay open to other university admission offers you have received and to not miss the deadline to submit your enrollment deposit at one of the amazing universities where you have a firm offer.
6. Stay Positive and Focused
Focus on finishing your senior year strong academically and personally. Colleges want to see applicants who remain motivated and resilient.
While being deferred or waitlisted can be discouraging, you will have other admission offers. It's time to remind yourself that, while you are still hopeful about your defer or waitlist decision turning into an admission, you have other admission opportunities to remain excited about!
Writing a Letter of Continued interest? Read more advice here for crafting the perfect LOCI.
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