Whether you are deferred or waitlisted, don’t panic. Remember, you have not been denied
By Lindsey Conger
What the difference is between deferred versus waitlisted? Four things students should do. Deferred or waitlisted? It can be confusing to understand the difference between deferred and
waitlisted. The similarity is that both options place students in a state of limbo where they need to wait longer to see if they will be admitted.
Deferral means that the college has chosen not to accept you in the early round; however, it will give your file a second look during the regular admission round. Waitlisted means the college has finished reviewing your application and has decided to put you on the waiting list.
Whether you are deferred or waitlisted, don’t panic. Remember, you have not been denied. Here are four steps you should take:
Decide if the university is still your top option. Is the university still your “dream school”? Or,
have things changed since you sent in your application? If another college might be better for you, this deferment or waitlist has opened your options and a chance for you to reconsider your college list.
Update your resume and LinkedIn. Our students send in not only a resume but also their LinkedIn profile with their applications. Your LinkedIn profile serves as a portfolio to add any research papers, pictures from service projects, or videos of you performing an extracurricular activity. We advise students to provide the universities with specific details highlighting their
impressive extracurricular activities.
Ask for another letter of recommendation. Ask a supervisor at an internship, coach, teacher, or
manager at a job to write you a letter of recommendation. This recommendation should add something new to your application.
Write a deferral or waitlist letter. If you are still committed to attending the school, you should
send a letter of continued interest. This letter should be about one page in length and should show how you are a strong candidate now. It is important that you send the letter immediately.
How to write the deferral or waitlist letter:
The letter must display your continued interest in attending the school. In the first paragraph,
convey why the school remains your top choice. Don’t lie; write a deferral letter only if you are committed to attending.
Next, describe your most recent accomplishments. Update the admission officers on things that have occurred since you applied. You want to make your candidate profile stronger and showcase why you would be a great asset to the university.
Here are some examples of things to include: High test scores on standardized tests (ACT, SAT), high grades in challenging courses, and accomplishments in extracurricular activities, shadowing or volunteer hours, and independent projects such as research.
End the letter by restating why this university is the right fit for you. Be specific and personal. Once you have finished writing your deferral letter, email it to the admissions office. Do not delay sending it.
(The writer is a college counselor and tutor at Moon Prep.)
