Deferrals and Waitlists Are Not Neutral

Photo by Hal Gatewood at Unsplash

Why waitlist offers and Early Action (EA) deferrals are mostly yield-protection tools, and how to decide whether to stick it out or move on, what to do to maximize your chances of getting admitted later

So, you applied early. You opened your portal. And instead of confetti or heartbreak, you got… the gray zone: We’ll review your application later.

Whether it’s a deferral in the early round or a waitlist spot in the spring, the message is the same: “We’re not saying yes, but we’re not saying no either.”

Sounds neutral, right? Wrong.

Deferrals and waitlists aren’t neutral holding pens. They’re tools colleges use to manage yield (how many admitted students actually enroll) and keep their admit numbers looking shiny. Understanding that makes it a lot easier to decide how to respond, and when to move on.

Why deferrals happen

Deferrals are common in Early Action, especially at the most selective schools (think Ivies, Stanford, MIT, UMichigan). Colleges have little incentive to admit kids in the early round and can’t admit too many students in the fall because they need flexibility in March to balance institutional priorities. So they punt.

A deferral means:

• You’re qualified enough that they don’t want to reject you outright.

• But you’re not such a clear admit that they’re ready to commit.

• And yes—they want to see how you stack up against the regular pool.

Translation: it’s less about you, and more about their numbers. 

But, it does affect you, and may signal that it’s time to reassess your strategy. 

Deferred from your high-reach early school? It might be time to commit to your Early Decision 2 plan, potentially reducing your chances of landing in the increasingly brutal Regular Decision pool.

If ED2 isn’t right for you, and you want to go all in on your deferral, it’s time to think about your letter of continued interest (LOCI). What meaningful updates can you share with the college since you submitted your application? Have you won a new award? Had your strongest academic performance to date? Secured a new internship? Keep it short, keep it relevant, and reaffirm that they are your #1.

Reminder: most of your colleges will see your senior fall grades. Make sure they are at or above the standard you’ve set in previous years. Sometimes, a deferral indicates that admissions is interested in seeing one more semester of grades, so don’t let anything slip!

Why waitlists exist

Waitlists are the ultimate yield-management trick. Colleges admit the number of students they think will accept, then hedge with a waitlist big enough to backfill if they miss the mark. The catch?

• Most waitlists are massive. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of students get the offer.

• Few spots actually open up. The yield math usually works out, meaning only a handful are admitted.

• It looks nice. Schools avoid disappointing too many applicants with flat rejections—and keep you engaged in case they need you.

So, again: not neutral.

What should you do if you’re waitlisted?

1. Decide if it’s worth the effort. Ask yourself: “If I got in, would I actually go?”

• If yes, it’s worth staying engaged. Write a LOCI, and reaffirm your strong interest.

• If no, politely decline the waitlist and focus on the schools that already said yes.

2. Send an extra recommendation:

• Have you had a meaningful internship, class, or job since you submitted your application? Would the supervisor, teacher, or boss have significantly new and impactful information to share with the college about you? If so, you could consider submitting an extra recommendation (where/when allowed).

3. Strengthen your profile—modestly.

• If the school did not receive them already, submit your latest grades. Ask your counselor to advocate for you if possible. If you’ve achieved something genuinely new and significant, mention it. But: don’t overwhelm them with fluff.

4. Consider changing your major

• Regretting applying to an impacted major and willing to consider something else? Let them know. It’s not a guarantee, but it could make a difference.

5. Manage expectations.

• No matter what, the odds of getting off a waiting list are slim. Deferral → regular decision admission happens sometimes. Waitlist → an eventual acceptance is rare.

The bigger picture

Deferrals and waitlists often feel like hope. And they can be. But they’re also strategic tools colleges use to protect themselves, not you.

The best move? Focus on getting excited about the schools that already want you.