College Admissions: Deferred vs Waitlist

I remember back in grade school when I was getting into dating. It was not always easy to navigate because you never know what options people are weighing or how exactly they feel about you until the decision is made. Applying for college admissions is much like dating, it’s the process of becoming accepted by someone else. And just like dating there are similarities between the two.

Let’s discuss the old deferred vs. waitlisted dilemma! It’s like trying to figure out if you’re being “friend-zoned” or just “put on hold” in the dating world of college admissions.

Let’s break it down:

Deferred: The ‘Not Yet’ Zone

Imagine you’ve applied early—eager, ambitious, ready to commit. You’re all, “Hey, I’m here, let’s do this!” And the college looks at your application and says, “We like you, but… we’re not ready to make a decision yet. Can we think about it a little more?” That’s deferral.

What it means: They’ve pushed your application into the regular decision pile. They’re not saying no, but they’re saying, “Let’s see how you compare to the rest of the crowd.”
What to do: Don’t sit around and wait for Cupid to shoot another arrow. Use this time to update them on how awesome you’ve become since you applied. New grades? Send them. Won an award? Brag a little. Schools want to see that you’re still interested, still growing, and still a top candidate.

Waitlisted: The ‘You’re Cool, But We’re Full’ Moment

Now, if you’re waitlisted, it’s a little different. The college has made its decision on the first round of students, and they’re like, “We think you’re great, but we’ve already filled our dance card. If someone else cancels, we’ll give you a call.” It’s like being in line for a concert and hoping someone gives up their ticket.

What it means: You’re a solid candidate, but the seats are filled… for now. If enough students decide to go elsewhere, then guess who’s getting the call? That’s right—you!
What to do: Make sure they know you’re still interested. Some schools will even ask if you want to stay on the waitlist. Say yes if you’re still in love with the school. Then, consider sending a short “I still love you” note. And in the meantime, accept an offer from another school as a backup, because you don’t want to be left hanging.

How to Avoid Both?

Okay, I can’t promise you’ll never get deferred or waitlisted, but there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a straight acceptance:

Nail the application: Make sure your application is as strong as possible—great essays, solid recommendations, and if it fits, test scores that show off your skills.
Demonstrate interest: Visit campus (if you can), talk to admissions reps, or attend virtual sessions. Colleges love when students show genuine interest.
Apply smart: It’s great to shoot for the stars, but also make sure you’ve applied to a range of schools, including ones where you’re a strong contender.

So What if You’re Deferred or Waitlisted?

Don’t panic! If you’re deferred, it’s a “not now, but maybe later.” Just keep showing them how awesome you are. If you’re waitlisted, it’s like being in the VIP section—you might get in, but have a backup plan just in case.

At the end of the day, these are bumps in the road, not dead ends. Whether deferred or waitlisted, keep your head up. The right school will recognize your sparkle, and you’ll end up where you’re meant to be.

Now, go forth and conquer! You’ve got this!