Deferred or Waitlisted? A Guide to Your Next Steps
For the seniors or parents of seniors who just opened an email that said “deferred” or “waitlisted” - this is for you. 🤍
Early decisions can leave you in one of the hardest places in college admissions: “maybe.” Not a no. Not a yes. Just uncertainty.
First, take a breath. Being deferred or waitlisted means you are a competitive applicant. The school saw enough strength to keep you in the pool. Now is the time to thoughtfully use the opportunities available to advocate for yourself.
NEXT STEPS
Resist the urge to respond immediately. First, carefully consider the following:
1. What is your current level of interest in the college?
• Is this still your top or one of your top choices?
• Would you attend if admitted?
• Is it worth staying in limbo given other options available to you?
• How many deferred or waitlisted students were accepted in the previous year?
Depending on your responses, proceed intentionally. It’s okay to let a deferral or waitlist spot go and focus on other great options.
2. What are the school’s specific instructions for communicating your continued interest?
Most colleges tell you exactly what they want next in the deferral/waitlist email or on their website.
• If the school provides a form, fill it out ASAP
• If the school asks whether or not you are still interested, say yes quickly
• If the school is open to receiving transcript updates, ask your counselor to send your mid-year grades (by March 1st)
• If the school says do not send additional materials, respect the request
• If you need clarification on the school’s preferences, email admissions and ask: “May I submit a letter of continued interest?”
Sometimes schools only want a checked box. Sometimes they are open to more. Follow directions exactly.
3. Double down on what’s working for you!
After submitting your simple “yes” or “no” response, wait 3–4 weeks before you submit additional materials; this shows that you’ve taken time to thoughtfully consider your options and your level of interest. This pause also gives you space to finalize new achievements, gain meaningful experiences that reflect growth, gather updated grades, and clearly articulate why the school is a strong fit for you (and vice versa).
LETTER OF CONTINUED INTEREST (LOCI)
Many schools offer one final, strategic opportunity for you to advocate for yourself by writing a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). A LOCI is a short, professional email or form submission sent after a deferral or waitlist decision and shared with the admissions team via the applicant portal or email. Its purpose is to:
Inform the college that you are remain genuinely interested
Provide new, meaningful information
Help turn a “maybe” into a “yes”
This is not a second personal statement. And definitely not a place to vent. This is a concise, strategic update submitted only to the colleges that accept this type of follow-up.
LOCI GUIDELINES
If and when you are ready to write your LOCI, start by reviewing your original application. Ask yourself if there are meaningful updates or context missing and what have you achieved since applying to further demonstrate your growth and fit with the school. Your LOCI should be no more than 400 words (i.e. less is more, quality over quantity) and cover the following:
1. Gratitude: Thank the admissions committee for reviewing your application and reconsidering your candidacy.
2. Reaffirmed interest (only if true): If the school is your top choice and you would enroll if admitted, state this clearly (especially for ED deferrals).
3. New information (this is the most important part!): Colleges know who you were in November. Think about what you have done since submitting your application that might give the school more confidence in you and convince the admissions team that you are a strong fit for the incoming class.
Examples of meaningful updates:
Upward trend in grades or a strong fall semester
Improved SAT/ACT scores
New leadership roles
Awards, honors, or recognitions
Major projects completed or launched
Research, publications, performances, or competitions
Fundraising goals met or exceeded
Other relevant personal growth situations
4. Connection to the school: Include 2–3 specific “why us” details that highlight how you and the school are a good match:
Programs, classes, faculty, research, culture, or values that are aligned with your interests and strengths
A new campus visit or virtual event (and what stood out)
How your recent growth aligns with the school’s priorities
5. Professional closing: Reiterate your appreciation for the additional review and express your continued excitement about the possibility of attending. Sign-off respectfully.
REVIEWING YOUR LOCI
Before submitting your LOCI, make sure that you:
🚫 Don’t repeat information included in your original application
🚫 Don’t overload the LOCI with updates – be selective and concise
🚫 Don’t use language that is negative or sounds entitled
🚫 Don’t complain about the admissions process or compare schools
🚫 Don’t be vague about what draws you to the institution (e.g. “I love your school”)
SUBMITTING YOUR LOCI
If the college gives clear directions on how to share your continued interest, follow them exactly. Some schools ask you to upload your LOCI to the applicant portal while others request that you reply directly to the decision email.
Again: If they say do not send additional materials, don’t.
If the college does not give clear directions on how to submit a LOCI, send the email directly to your regional admissions officer (or the admissions counselor you’ve contacted in the past) and copy the main admissions email listed on the college’s website.
FINAL WORD
A deferral or waitlist reflects a competitive process influenced by institutional priorities, not a lack of qualification. Now is the time to remain calm, positive and reflective and to advocate thoughtfully, professionally, and confidently for yourself.
Remember that how you respond matters and so does recognizing what you’ve already achieved!