Advice for Students Who Have Been Deferred or Waitlisted.
Deferred Students
“Deferred” means the college has not completed a review of your application and is postponing its decision to a later date. This sometimes happens to students who have applied Early Decision or Early Action. Some schools may move you from these “Early” pools to the “Regular” pool. The college is saying they want to take another look at you. The student should communicate with the Admissions Office regarding the next steps and what if any additional information can be submitted, don’t assume. Understand and follow the school’s policies and guidelines regarding the process. It is really best to ask questions about their policy prior to and/or during the admissions process. If you contact the admissions office, be polite in your communications with them.
Students should strengthen their application by submitting the following:
- A “Letter of Continued Interest” explaining why you feel the school is a good match for you.
- First-semester grades, and updated test scores.
- Additional letters of recommendation if required.
- Any additional extracurricular or volunteer activities.
- Improved second-semester GPA. Send your “Mid-Year” Report
- Find out if you will have access to institutional scholarships.
Waitlisted Students
Getting “waitlisted” happens after regular decisions come out. It basically means the school likes you, but they don’t have enough space. If enough students say no to their offers, they may come back to you.
- Determine if being on the waitlist is something you really want to do.
- Develop a pros and cons list.
- If possible, find out your placement on the list.
- Establish a timeline-determine how long you are willing to remain on the list. You may not know until after May 1st.
- Improve your academics.
- Submit a “Letter of Continued Interest”.
- Consider options for enrollment as a Transfer student.
- Submit a deposit to your backup school.
- Find out if you will have access to institutional scholarships.
Being deferred or waitlisted is not the end of the world. It means you have been asked to wait a little longer. If it’s a school you really want to attend, then be honest with yourself about how long you are willing to remain “on hold” and make sure you have a plan B.