A college deferral from an early decision or early action school can feel discouraging—especially if it’s your dream school. But take a deep breath. A deferral means you still have a chance! The admissions team saw potential in your application and will reevaluate it during the regular decision round.

Why Do Schools Defer Applicants?

Many highly competitive schools—like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford—use deferrals instead of outright rejections to give themselves more time to assess applicants. Some schools, like Caltech, even have higher acceptance rates for deferred students in the regular decision pool.

Waitlisted? Here’s What It Means

Being placed on a college waitlist means the school is interested but doesn’t currently have space available. Unlike deferrals, where you receive a final decision in the regular round (March/April), waitlists can keep you in limbo until late summer—sometimes as late as August!

💡 Important: Most students on waitlists will not be admitted, as only a small percentage of waitlisted students ultimately get in. This varies by school, so check the college’s past waitlist acceptance rates to understand your chances.

Next Steps for Deferred or Waitlisted Students

✅ Submit a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) – If allowed, a Letter of Continued Interest updates admissions on your new achievements and reaffirms your commitment to the school. Some colleges, like MIT and Case Western, require students to submit a LOCI to remain in consideration.

✅ Follow School-Specific Instructions – Some schools only allow you to check a box to remain on the list. If so, follow their guidelines exactly.

✅ Continue Strong Academically – Schools may request mid-year grades, and a strong finish could help tip the scales in your favor.

✅ Enhance Your Application Profile – If possible, retake standardized tests, update your resume, or secure additional letters of recommendation to strengthen your candidacy.

✅ Accept Another Offer – Since waitlists are unpredictable, you must commit to another school by May 1. If you’re later accepted from a waitlist, you can decide whether to switch.

How to Write a Strong LOCI (See the examples below)

Your Letter of Continued Interest should:

Express gratitude for the opportunity to be reconsidered.
Reaffirm your interest in the college and explain why it’s your top choice.
Highlight any new achievements (academic, extracurricular, or personal).
Remain concise and professional—stick to one page.

📍 Need help crafting the perfect LOCI? Check out our Ultimate Guide to College Deferrals and LOCIs.

Keep Your Options Open

Your college list was designed for situations like this! While waiting for a final decision, stay excited about the other amazing schools on your list—many of which will likely send you good news soon.

🔹 Still feeling stuck? Let College Sharks guide you through deferrals, waitlists, and all things college admissions.

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Dear [Penn Representative for Region],

While I admit to feeling disappointed about my deferral from Penn, it remains my top choice. I am fully committed to attending if accepted in the regular decision round.

Since submitting my early application, I have devoted more time to schoolwork and extracurricular activities. (enter anything new that you have done since applying). As the founder of [App name], an app for [medical purpose], I have enhanced its features, conducted social media marketing, and sought partnerships with mental health organizations. As co-president of Habitat for Humanity, I promoted World Habitat Day, organized a domestic trip to Cheonan, South Korea, and arranged an international trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, this upcoming March. Additionally, as a member of the National Honor Society, I tutored underclassmen and gathered donations for an orphanage. Amid these responsibilities, I achieved my best semester GPA in the first semester of my senior year.

I applied to Penn for Early Decision for several reasons. The Science, Technology, and Society (STSC) major, with its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, is tailor-made for me. Penn’s tight-knit community, exemplified by the prompt and detailed responses from department chairs Dr. M. Susan Lindee and Dr. Ann Greene, resonated with me. Their interactions showcased genuine student/professor relationships, aligning with my values. Moreover, Penn’s Wharton School provides the resources and networking opportunities to nurture my interests in social entrepreneurship.

I have continued to honor my commitments this school year and gained newfound confidence through sustained success despite increased responsibilities. My commitment to accept an invitation to Penn’s [year] class remains unwavering.

Sincerely,

[Student’s name] Make certain that your letter is in your voice. You may not have done as many things as this letter notes…no worries.

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Subject: Question About Extra Financial Aid

Hi ________,

Thank you for the offer of acceptance to Montana State (___________ add major.) I am excited about the possibility of becoming a Bobcat, and it’s definitely my top choice. However, after looking at the costs, I’m worried that tuition might be a bit more than my family can afford. (Please see my offer from _(other college)__ this is more in alignment with what my family can afford.

Is there any way to get additional financial aid or scholarships to help offset the tuition costs? Are there any departmental scholarships or grants? Research grants? I am very serious about my major and I plan to engage in research and any additional activities at the university that are offered to insure my future success.

Since being accepted, here are a few things that I have been doing:

-LIST YOUR UPDATES HERE- continued activities, grades, classes, accolades, challenges overcome

I would really appreciate any information or advice you can give and welcome a meeting to discuss this further.

Thanks so much for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

______Name, Grad Year, High School, City, State

When crafting your LOCI, consider addressing a specific person at the school, clearly stating that it remains your top choice, providing updates on your activities and academics, and reiterating why the school is the right fit for you. Remember, honesty and a genuine expression of continued interest can significantly enhance your chances of acceptance during the regular decision phase.

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Deferred or Waitlisted? Here’s What to Do Next