Stepping into the college admissions arena brings along a whirlwind of terms and scenarios. Among them, being "waitlisted" or "deferred" are situations you might stumble upon. It's essential to break down what these terms mean to navigate your college admissions journey better.
Understanding these terms is crucial as they represent different levels of commitment from the colleges and different actions required from you. As a high school senior eyeing a seat in a top college, knowing the nitty-gritty of these terms can help tailor your next steps.
In this article, we'll dive deeper into the intricacies of being waitlisted and deferred, compare and contrast the two, and equip you with actionable insights on what to do in each scenario. Whether you're brushing up on the admissions process or finding yourself in one of these situations, knowing what to expect can put you a step ahead. So, let's dive in and decipher what these admissions outcomes mean for your college journey.
What does "waitlisted mean?
Being waitlisted sounds exactly like what it is. A college likes your application, but they've filled all their spots for now. So, they put you on a "waitlist." If a spot opens up at a later date - maybe some admitted students decide to go elsewhere - then you might get a call up from the bench.
Let's talk numbers for a moment. The number of students on a waitlist can change a lot from one college to another. Some colleges might have a small waitlist, while others have a longer one. And getting off the waitlist? Well, that's a bit of a mixed bag. Some colleges might pull a good number of students from the waitlist, while others only a handful.
College waitlists help to make sure they fill every seat in the incoming class. If more admitted students say "no thanks" than they expected, they'll start going down the waitlist to make sure they fill up.
What are some possible reasons why I got waitlisted?
The big question - why did you end up on the waitlist? It could be a bunch of things. Maybe your test scores or extracurriculars were good but not quite a home run. Or perhaps the college had a really strong applicant pool this year, and they ran out of spots. It's not a "no," but it's a "not right now."
What are my chances of getting off the waitlist?
The odds of getting off the waitlist vary. Some colleges might have a good track record of accepting waitlisted students, while others not so much. Each college's website or admissions office should have some stats on this, so it's worth a look if you're curious. Plus, you can always use this time to beef up your college essay and application or explore other colleges that want you right off the bat.
What does "deferred" mean?
When you apply to a college, especially during early action or early decision rounds, there's a chance you might get a letter saying you've been deferred. Basically, this means the college is saying, "Hang tight. We like what we see, but we want to look at the rest of the applications before we decide." They bump your application to the regular decision pool to give it another review.
Now, about the numbers. The percentage of deferred applicants can change a lot from one college to another and from one year to the next. Some colleges might defer a larger chunk of early applicants, especially if they've got a lot of strong applications and they want to keep their options open.
Once your application gets moved to the regular decision pool, it's on equal footing with all the other applications. The college will review it again, along with all the new applications they've received. Then, they'll make their final decision and let you know whether you're in or not.
What are some possible reasons why I got deferred?
Getting deferred might bring up a whirlwind of questions. The college might need more time to check out the entire regular applicant pool, or maybe they're waiting to see some updated test scores or the final grades from your first-semester senior year.
It could also be a case of them liking what they see but wanting to compare it with other applications before saying yes. It's a way for them to press pause and make sure they're making the right choices for the incoming class. It's not a flat-out no, but it's a "let's wait and see."
Key differences
When you're navigating the college admissions journey, understanding the difference between being waitlisted and deferred can shed some light on where you stand. Here's a breakdown of these two scenarios:
- Timing of notifications:
- Waitlisted: You'll typically learn about being waitlisted when regular decision notifications are sent out in the spring.
- Deferred: This news comes earlier, usually if you've applied during early action or early rounds in the fall or winter.
- Level of uncertainty:
- Waitlisted: There's a level of uncertainty as you're in a holding pattern until the college decides if there's a spot for you.
- Deferred: The uncertainty here is a bit different. You're back in the mix with the regular decision pool, awaiting a final answer.
- Required actions:
- Waitlisted: Colleges often appreciate a show of continued interest. Sending a waitlist letter expressing your enthusiasm for the college and updating them on any new achievements can be beneficial.
- Deferred: Similarly, you might want to send a deferral letter, providing any updates on your grades, ACT scores, or extracurriculars since your initial college application.
- Strategies for increasing acceptance chances:
- Both scenarios: Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities, maintain strong academic performance, and keep the lines of communication open with the admissions committee. It's about showing your continued growth and unwavering interest in the college.
Waitlisted vs. deferred: Which is better?
When it comes to being waitlisted or deferred, there's no clear winner. It really depends on your situation and the college you're eyeing. However, some folks might lean towards saying being deferred is a tad better.
Why? Well, because you heard back earlier, and your application gets another look during the regular admissions cycle. It's like getting a second shot with maybe some additional information you've added to your application.
On the other hand, being waitlisted generally comes into play later on, and snagging a spot from here can be a bit tougher, especially if the college already has a ton of accepted students who are all set to enroll.
Now, no matter which boat you find yourself in, you've got some control here. Whether waitlisted or deferred, your actions matter. Keep up with your grades, stay engaged in activities you care about, and keep the college in the loop about any new achievements or additional materials. Your hustle could turn things around and help tip the scales in your favor.
What to expect when getting waitlisted or deferred
Getting a college admission letter is a big deal. If it says you've been waitlisted or deferred, you might be scratching your head about what comes next.
Quick refresher: being waitlisted means the college is interested but doesn't have a spot for you right now. Being deferred means they want to take another look at your application during the regular decision round.
This section is here to give you a clear picture of what to expect and how to handle these situations.
Understand the situation
Both waitlist and deferral letters come with instructions from the college. It's super important to read and understand these. They tell you what steps to take next, and missing out on following them could be a big miss.
Communicate with the admissions office
Keeping in touch with the admissions office is key. Whether it's a letter of continued interest or a deferral letter, make sure your communication is on point and on time. This is your chance to remind the college why you're a great fit and share any new achievements you have.
Take action
Now's your time to shine. Work on getting those grades up, take part in extracurricular activities that matter to you, and get updated letters of recommendation if possible. If you've won awards or have new achievements, share this info with the college and stick to any deadlines they've given.
Explore other options
Don't get stuck on one college. Explore other options (check out College Rover for some help), and keep applying to other schools. Look into financial aid, scholarships, or early options at other places. This is a good time to see what else is out there while you wait for an admission decision from your top choice school.
Manage expectations and emotions
Being deferred or waitlisted from your first choice school can be a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, and having your family and friends to talk to can be a huge help. Also, don't hesitate to reach out to college counselors for advice. Staying balanced and resilient is the game plan here.
College Rover can help
Being waitlisted or deferred isn't the end of the road. The application process is just a part of your college journey. Stay proactive, explore new opportunities, and keep a positive outlook.
And remember, College Rover is here to make comparing colleges easy, helping you find your dream school no matter where you are in your college journey.
