Deferred vs. Waitlisted: What’s the Difference?

Key Highlights

Deferred vs. Waitlisted: Deferred means that your application will be reconsidered during the regular decision, while waitlisted means possible admission if space opens.

There are generally just a couple of routes your college application may take. While the most common outcomes are either acceptance or rejection, there are two more options that your application could encounter: deferment and waitlisting.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at deferment and waitlisting, so you can clearly understand what these terms mean for your application prospects, and what further steps you can take.

Related: Early Action vs. Early Decision: A Guide for College-Bound Students

Deferred means a college wants to push your early decision application into the regular decision bucket and hold off making a decision until then.

Waitlisted means a college finds your application strong but can’t offer you admission yet because they’re full. If space opens up, they might admit you later.

Now let’s go through a comprehensive breakdown of what they mean and what you can do about being deferred or waitlisted.

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You’ve applied early to the college with a solid application. On decision day, you pop open your laptop only to find out that you’ve been deferred.

It’s not a great feeling to see anything other than the acceptance message you’d been hoping for. But remember, deferment is not a rejection. It simply means that a college wants to hold your application on pause and take a look at it again during the regular decision-making timeline. This means you still have a shot at being accepted.

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If you’ve been deferred, here are the options available to you: 

1. Some schools may mention why they’ve deferred you and what you could add to your application. But even if you haven’t received any such feedback, it is still a good idea to work on your application by improving your SAT/ACT scores or participating in more extracurriculars. 

2. You can send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to the school to inform them that you’re still keen on joining as well as update them on your recent accomplishments. Be sure to keep it short and genuine. 

3. Stay up-to-date on the process of your application by keeping up with any new announcements that the college might make on its website. 

4. It is always a good idea to apply to as many safety schools that you’re happy to attend. Don’t solely rely on the deferred college, even if it is your top pick. 

5. Continue acing your academics and extracurriculars.

Related: Reading Your College Financial Aid Award Letter

Being deferred does not mean you have been rejected; you still have a chance at being accepted. However, for top colleges the admission process is incredibly competitive. As a deferred student, you still have a chance of being accepted, but it’s important to know that the odds might be lower because of how selective these schools are.

Having your application rejected means that the college didn’t find a place for you. While it can hurt to receive a rejection message from colleges, it’s important to remember that this decision is not a reflection of your worth or potential.

Admissions decisions are influenced by many factors, including the competitiveness of the applicant pool and institutional priorities, which are beyond your control. You should continue applying and chances are you’ll land another school that’s a great fit for you. 

Related: How Many Colleges Should You Apply To?

Being waitlisted means the college has added you to a list of students who may be offered admission if space becomes available. The college has gone through your application and found you to be a qualified candidate, but they don’t have enough spots in the incoming class to offer you admission right away.

Space may become available if some students turn down their offer letters to join a different institution, or if additional spots are added. Some colleges require you to accept the position on the waitlist, so be sure to follow the guidelines to secure your spot on the waitlist.

Being waitlisted is not a guarantee that you’ll be offered admission. The chances that you’ll be upgraded from the waitlist to acceptance can vary depending on the specific college. If you’re keen on attending the school that has waitlisted you, then accept your spot on the waitlist and reach out to the college, updating them on your progress and to demonstrate continued interest in attending the institution. 

Meanwhile, be sure to secure a spot at another college where you’ve been accepted, as there’s no certainty about being moved off the waitlist. Choose the best college for you from the ones who have accepted you and send in the deposit. You’ll lose on the deposit if you later choose to not attend, but what’s important is that you know you have a spot secured for the next academic year.

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Deciding whether to stay on a waitlist can be complicated. Here are some things to think about.

Reasons to Stay on the Waitlist:

1. It’s Your Dream School – If the waitlisted college is your top choice and you’d love to go there more than anywhere else, it might be worth staying on the waitlist.

2. Financial Aid – If this college offers better financial aid or scholarships, it could make a big difference.

3. Special Programs – If the school has specific programs or opportunities that really match your interests and goals, staying on the waitlist could be a smart move.

Reasons to Decline the Waitlist:

1. Certainty – If you’ve been accepted to another great school and you’re happy with it, confirming your spot there can give you peace of mind.

2. Costs and Planning – Waiting can be expensive and stressful, especially with non-refundable deposits at the school you’ve been accepted to.

3. Good Alternatives – If you have solid options that you’re excited about, it might make more sense to move forward with those plans.

Careful consideration can help you decide how you want to proceed. Take the time to weigh your options, considering both the potential benefits and any uncertainties. This will ensure you make the best decision for your future.

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Waitlists are typically released sometime between May to June, but can also extend up to August. Most colleges wait until students have confirmed their admissions and sent in deposits, which usually happens in May. After this, they decide if they have space for waitlisted students.

Related: College Decision Dates: What You Need to Know

Understanding the distinction between being deferred and being waitlisted is important so that you can effectively navigate the college admissions process. A deferral during the early decision phase indicates that a college is postponing its decision and will reconsider the application during the regular decision round. This is your opportunity to strengthen your application by submitting additional materials or improved grades.

On the other hand, being waitlisted happens during the regular decision phase. It means that while the applicant is qualified, there is currently no space available. Waitlisted students may be admitted later if spots open up, often after other accepted students decline their offers.

Both deferral and waitlisting can be emotionally challenging situations as they extend the uncertainty and waiting period. However, both statuses imply that the college sees potential in you. 

Take this opportunity to turn circumstances in your favor: if deferred, you should attempt to enhance your applications. If waitlisted, you should express continued interest and update the admissions office with any new achievements. Understanding these processes and maintaining a positive outlook can help you efficiently manage this phase.