How to improve your chances of being admitted after waitlists and deferrals
Waiting for your college acceptance letters can feel like an eternity, especially when you're excited to hear from your favorite school. But what happens when that letter finally arrives and you read that you've been added to a college's waitlist, or that you have been deferred? Although receiving this news can be utterly disheartening, there are a few ways you can take action and improve your chances of being admitted. In this blog, we'll explain all about waitlists and deferrals, and give you some recommendations if you're faced with either scenario.
What does it mean if you've been added to a college waitlist?
Waitlisting is a practice used by colleges when they have more applicants they'd like to accept than available spots. Being waitlisted does not mean that you have been rejected, or that you are not qualified, or that the college is not interested in having you as a student. Instead, it means that you have been placed on a list for potential acceptance if space open up.
So how does being waitlisted work? When a college has a spot that opens up due to an accepted student declining their offer or taking themselves off the waitlist, they will turn to their waitlist pool to fill the spot. This can happen at any point during the spring or summer months leading up to the start of classes. However, there is no guarantee that all students on the waitlist will be eventually accepted – it ultimately depends on how many spots become available over the course of the admissions cycle.
What does it mean if you've been deferred by a college?
Being deferred by a college means that your application has been put on hold and will be reconsidered during a later round of admissions decisions. This typically happens when an applicant applies under an Early Action or Early Decision plan, and their application is moved into the regular decision pool because they were not accepted during the early round.
Deferrals are often used by colleges and universities when they need more time to review applications, or when they want further information from applicants before making a final decision. Deferrals tend to be more common than being placed on the waitlist since this can apply to a larger pool of applicants and it occurs at multiple decision points.
What are the reasons for waitlists and deferrals?
There are many different factors that can contribute to a student being waitlisted or deferred during the college admission process. While it can be frustrating and disappointing, it is important to understand some of the reasons behind these decisions in order to navigate this period effectively. Some of the reasons candidates are waitlisted or deferred include:
High competition: One of the main reasons for being waitlisted or deferred is simply due to high demand for limited spots. With more students applying than ever before, admissions officers have a difficult task of selecting only a certain number of students from a large pool of extremely talented applicants. This means that even highly qualified candidates may end up on the wait or deferral lists.
Incomplete application: Another reason for being waitlisted or deferred could be an incomplete application. If you miss any required materials such as test scores, transcripts, or recommendation letters, your application may not be considered complete and therefore put on hold until all materials are received. This is why it is crucial to carefully review all application requirements and deadlines and ensure that your application is submitted with all necessary components.
Inconsistent application. Sometimes an applicant is considered 'borderline,' meaning they are showing some impressive attributes on their application, but are also displaying some less-impressive attributes. For example, an applicant may have stellar grades, but lower test scores. Or, an applicant may knock it out of the park academically, but isn't very deep in extracurriculars.
9 steps you can take if you're waitlisted or deferred by a college
1. Understand the timeline and process: Each college will have its own timeline and process around when and how they will make decisions about their waitlisted and deferred candidates. Make sure to check the college's website or contact the admissions office to find out what you can expect.
2. Consider your other options: While being waitlisted or deferred is not ideal, it's important to remember that there are other colleges out there. Make sure that you have backup options in case you are not ultimately accepted.
3. Reach out to the college's admissions office: Call your assigned admissions counselor or officer and ask if they have any suggestions about how to improve your application file. If you haven't been assigned a counselor, or that person is not available, ask to speak to someone who can talk to you about your deferral status.
4. Respond promptly: If given the option, make sure to respond to any requests promptly, such as accepting your spot on the waitlist or providing any additional information or updates that are requested.
5. Write a letter of continued interest: A letter of continued interest is an excellent way for students on a wait or deferral list to express their ongoing commitment and enthusiasm towards attending that particular college if given the opportunity. In your letter, be sure to:
Thank the admissions committee for continuing to consider you for admissions
Reaffirm that the college is the perfect match for you - give a few specific examples why the is the case (matching your strengths and desires with specific opportunities at the school)
Talk about any in-person or online tours – or other admissions events – that you have participated in, and something specific from that event that stood out or was important to you
Provide any new information about your performance that enhances your application
6. Submit any materials that improve your application file: Some colleges may allow you to submit additional materials such as higher test scores, awards, accomplishments, or letters of recommendation up through their decision. Use this opportunity wisely and only submit items if they truly enhance your application. If there have been improvements in your academic record since submitting your application (e.g., improved grades), be sure to update the admissions office. However, avoid repeating information already included in your application.
7. Enlist your high school counselor to sing your praises: If they are willing, consider having your high school counselor reach out on your behalf. Similar to your efforts, have them emphasize your unique strengths with examples and how you would be the perfect match for the college.
8. Continue to show interest through admissions opportunities: Attend any in-person or virtual events for prospective students, including tours, even if you have already attended these events before. Other great ideas are to ask to connect with a professor, or to sit in on a class. Not only will this continue to give you valuable insights into the school's programs and culture, but it also shows that you are still actively interested in learning about the college.
9. Connect with current students and alumni: Building relationships with current students and alumni from the college can also help you demonstrate strong interest. Typically, you should ask to connect through the admissions office, or one of the school's existing programs, so that the admissions committee is aware of your ongoing efforts.
Stay positive and keep moving forward, no matter what happens
It is easy to feel discouraged when you are waitlisted or deferred by a school. But it is important to stay positive and not give up hope. There are examples all around of students who were initially waitlisted or deferred who have gone on to be accepted into their first-choice colleges after showing their continued interest and persistence throughout the process. Use this time as motivation to continue working hard academically and to showcase your personal passions.
However, if you are not accepted, it is essential to understand that this fact does not define your abilities or achievements as a student. Admission decisions are often based on factors beyond your control such as the competitiveness of the applicant pool or limited space compared to the number of applicants the college receives. Even if you are not admitted, it will not be the end of your college journey. In fact, there will be many more opportunities for you to achieve your goals than you will actually have time to pursue.
The key in this situation is to stay positive, open your mind to every opportunity, and to keep moving forward!
Have you been waitlisted or deferred and need some advice? Set up a free 30-minute consult with us today!
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