Deferred vs. Waitlisted: Key Differences and What to Do Next

The high school Class of 2025 is currently receiving early action (EA) and early decision (ED) college admissions decisions. Data from recent years, combined with feedback from colleges and students, make it probable that we will see more record-breaking application numbers over the coming weeks and months. This will likely lead to more rejections, deferrals, and waitlist placements from the most rejective and popular colleges. 

Expert Tip💡Rejective and popular are not proxies for quality!

This fall, a popular state flagship, the University of Georgia received 30,300+ early applications for the Class of 2029, up 14.6% from last year, and accepted 5,350+ in-state students for an admit rate of about 43% for in-state students. Notably, the university received early applications from 18,000+ non-GA residents, reflecting the upward trend in applications to “big Southern football schools,” click to read Students Are Ditching Ivy League Dreams for Southern Colleges. High-achieving students (<15% class rank) are being deferred by the Clemsons, Auburns, and Drexels of the world. While the reasons for the insane numbers are a discussion for another day, the recent Freakonomics Radio podcast The University of Impossible-to-Get-Into tackles the simple supply and demand aspect, and the role scarcity plays in maintaining the prestige factor of the most rejective institutions.

Expert Tip💡 Most colleges, including many with phenomenal student outcomes,  admit most applicants. For more information, read “A Trend Colleges Might Not Want Applicants to Notice: It’s Becoming Easier to Get In.”

As many more colleges prepare to release early application admissions decisions in the coming weeks and months (click HERE for a carefully curated list), now is a good time to ensure you understand what the potential non-admit outcomes mean so that you are prepared to pivot quickly and strategically.

What is the difference between being deferred and waitlisted, and what, if anything, can be done in these scenarios?

Deferred  

Although a deferral may not be the result you were hoping for, there’s still a chance! A deferral means admissions officers will give your application a second look—it’s like a reset. If you applied Early Action or Early Decision, think of it as your application being shifted to the regular decision pool. It will be reviewed again, and you’ll receive a final decision later, most likely in the spring.

What to Do If You Are Deferred

ONE: Carefully review your deferral notice and pay close attention to the instructions provided by the college, to ensure you follow their specific procedures.

TWO: Seek guidance from experts such as your high school counselor and/or independent college admissions expert to strategize your next steps.

THREE: Communicate continued interest by reaching out to your regional admissions officer directly, and/or ask your high school counselor to do so. Doing so will reaffirm your strong interest in the school.

FOUR: Update your academic profile by ensuring your high school counselor sends the college your most recent grades or end-of-semester updates.

FIVE: Invest in personal growth by engaging in meaningful activities that reflect personal and academic development. Constant growth and evolution will serve you well, as a human, no matter where you go to college!

SIX: Consider sending an additional recommendation that highlights new aspects of your achievements or character, if permitted by the college.

SEVEN: Share new, meaningful information, when permitted, by contacting your admissions counselor and/or uploading additional materials through your student portal that demonstrate progress or significant accomplishments—be judicious in defining what is meaningful.

When deferred, taking proactive and intentional steps to present your best self to admissions is logical. However, it’s equally important to remember that you are in control of your college journey—don’t hesitate to shift your focus and prioritize other schools on your list, especially ones that prioritize you!

Waitlisted

Receiving a waitlist decision means the college has completed its review of your application and decided not to offer you a spot—yet. Being placed on a waitlist effectively makes you Plan B for that institution, which means it should also become your Plan B. If the opportunity materializes and it remains your top choice, that’s fantastic. However, it’s essential to keep other options in focus and consider the following steps:

What to Do If You Are Waitlisted

One: Take charge of your process by remembering that YOU control your college journey. Act accordingly and keep your priorities (i.e., YOU) at the forefront of your mind.

TWO: Carefully read the waitlist notification and follow the college’s instructions closely—many schools require you to take specific action to remain on the waitlist. If the college remains a top choice, consider submitting a letter of continued interest, if permitted. 

THREE: Understand the odds by researching the school’s waitlist history on the institution's website, Common Data Set, or other resources. At highly competitive colleges, the likelihood of admission from the waitlist can be exceedingly low. If that is the case, you should plan to make a deposit at another college. 

FOUR: Reevaluate your interest and opportunities by focusing on the colleges where you’ve been accepted—they’ve made you a priority. 

Being waitlisted by a college is not the end of your journey—stay proactive, flexible, and strategic!

Expert Tip💡Ultimately, being deferred, waitlisted, or rejected is NOT a judgment of your worth or potential for success–it is about math and institutional priorities. It’s not personal!

While the admissions process can feel like an emotional rollercoaster, trust that your path to success is yours to forge: you get to decide your future, not a college admissions committee. A rejection letter doesn’t define you; it simply redirects you. Embrace the moment, adapt, and keep striving—your hard work and determination will lead you to incredible opportunities.

If you have questions about navigating deferrals, waitlists, or any part of the college admissions journey, don’t hesitate to contact us at kathy@fineeducationalsolutions.com.