Deferred or Waitlisted? What to Do Next in College Admissions
By North Shore College Consulting Counselors
With nearly 16 years of experience guiding families through the college admissions process
Receiving a deferral or waitlist decision can feel disorienting — especially when peers are celebrating acceptances and the path forward feels unclear.
But deferral and waitlist outcomes are not endings.
They are decision points — and how a student responds matters.
This guide explains:
What deferral and waitlist decisions actually mean
What not to do next
How demonstrated interest and communication fit in
When a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is appropriate
And how to move forward calmly and strategically
What Does It Mean to Be Deferred?
A deferral means a college has postponed its decision and will reconsider the application in the regular decision pool.
It does not mean:
The application was weak
The student is out of consideration
Nothing can be done
It does mean:
The admissions committee saw potential
They want more context or comparison
Timing and communication now matter more
Deferral is a shift — not a stop.
What Does It Mean to Be Waitlisted?
A waitlist decision means the college has completed its initial review but does not yet have space in the class.
Key points families should understand:
Movement varies widely by school and year
Being waitlisted does not reflect a ranking
Outcomes depend on enrollment needs, not merit alone
Unlike deferral, waitlist strategy is often more limited — but intentional communication can still matter.
What NOT to Do After a Deferral or Waitlist
In moments of uncertainty, families often feel pressure to act quickly. Unfortunately, some common reactions can weaken a student’s position.
Avoid:
Sending emotional or parent-written messages
Repeating information already in the application
Over-communicating with admissions offices
Treating all schools the same
Strategy, not urgency, is what helps most.
Demonstrated Interest: Why It Matters More After Deferral
For colleges that track demonstrated interest, post-decision engagement can matter — when done thoughtfully.
Demonstrated interest may include:
Attending virtual or in-person information sessions
Visiting campus when appropriate
Engaging with admissions programming
Sending student-initiated, professional communication
This is not about volume.
It’s about alignment and timing.
👉 Learn more about how to show interest correctly in our Demonstrated Interest guide.
Letters of Continued Interest (LOCIs): What They Are and When They Help
A Letter of Continued Interest is a formal, student-written letter that:
Confirms continued enthusiasm for the college
Shares meaningful academic or extracurricular updates
Reinforces why the school remains a strong fit
A strong LOCI is:
Specific, not generic
Professional, not emotional
Concise and well-timed
Written by the student
February is often the point when a LOCI makes the most sense — after growth has occurred, but before final decisions are made.
👉 For a detailed breakdown, see our full LOCI and Deferral Strategy guide.
How College Visits and Updates Fit In
In some cases, college visits — even virtual — can reinforce interest and clarity.
In others, thoughtful updates may be appropriate.
Effective updates typically:
Share meaningful new information
Are sent by the student
Are aligned with the college’s policies
Not every school welcomes updates, and not every student needs to send one.
Knowing when and where to communicate is part of the strategy.
A Calm Way Forward
Deferral and waitlist decisions can feel deeply personal — but they are procedural, not emotional.
The most effective responses are:
Grounded
Informed
Strategic
Patient
Families who navigate this phase well often focus less on “fixing” and more on clarifying fit and communicating intentionally.
If your student is navigating a deferral or waitlist and you’re unsure what would actually help, thoughtful guidance can make this stage far less overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deferrals, Waitlists, and Next Steps
Is a deferral the same as a rejection?
No. A deferral is not a rejection. It means the college is postponing a final decision and will review the application again in the regular decision pool. While it can feel discouraging, it also means the student is still in consideration.
What should a student do after being deferred?
Start by checking the college’s instructions for deferred applicants. Then focus on what’s genuinely within your control:
Continue strong academic performance
Add meaningful updates only if allowed
Demonstrate interest strategically (if the school tracks it)
Consider a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) if appropriate
The goal is not to “fix” the application — it’s to respond thoughtfully and professionally.
What does it mean to be waitlisted?
A waitlist means the college would like to admit the student, but there isn’t currently space in the class. Waitlist movement depends on enrollment needs, which can change year to year. Being waitlisted does not mean the student wasn’t qualified.
Should a student send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) after a deferral or waitlist?
Sometimes — but only if the college welcomes it and the student can provide real substance. A LOCI is most effective when it:
Confirms continued interest clearly
Includes meaningful updates (not filler)
Reinforces fit with specifics
Is concise and professional
Not every school wants one, and timing matters.
When should a student send a LOCI?
There’s no universal date, because policies vary by school. In many cases, February is an effective window because:
Students can include authentic updates
The letter isn’t rushed
Decisions are still pending
Always follow the school’s guidance, and avoid sending multiple messages.
What should a student include in a LOCI?
A strong LOCI typically includes:
A clear statement of continued interest
1–3 meaningful updates (grades, awards, new leadership, major progress in an activity)
Specific reasons the college remains a strong fit (programs, offerings, values)
A confident, respectful tone
It should not read like a plea or a personal essay.
Who should communicate with admissions — the parent or the student?
The student should communicate directly. Colleges expect communication to come from the applicant. Parents can absolutely support behind the scenes, but the student’s voice should lead.
Does demonstrated interest matter after a deferral or waitlist?
At some colleges, yes — but not all. Demonstrated interest is most effective when it’s:
Authentic
Aligned with what the college offers (sessions, visits, events)
Not excessive
It should never feel like spam, and it should never override the college’s stated policies.
What should students avoid doing after a deferral or waitlist?
Avoid:
Emotional or parent-written emails
Repeating the entire application in a new message
Over-communicating
Sending updates that don’t actually add value
Ignoring the school’s instructions
Calm, strategic restraint often plays better than urgency.
Can a deferral or waitlist still lead to an acceptance?
Yes. Outcomes vary by school, but students are accepted after deferrals every year. The key is responding in a way that reflects maturity, fit, and professionalism — and then continuing to build strong options elsewhere.