As college decisions begin to roll out over the coming months, many students are inevitably going to be deferred or waitlisted from at least one college. While it depends on what round of applications you applied for, whether its early action or regular decision, students may receive a letter of deferral as their decision. The most important thing to realize is that this does not mean that you have been rejected from the school; it just means that they are deferring making a decision on your application until the spring review period. To be waitlisted is similar-you are put on a holding list for admissions and they will decide at a later period whether or not you will be taken off of that waiting list. Below are some things that you should be doing if you have been deferred or waitlisted from a college or university.

1. Send in new updates
   1. If you have new activities to add to your resume, an improved test score, or impressive grades, show your college these additions to your application! They can only help boost your application to the school.
2. Email the school on why you are interested in going there
   1. These are often called interest letters. If you really want to attend a college, but do not want to apply for an ED (early decision)  because you don’t want to potentially commit to attending the university with merit scholarship or financial aid, reach out to the school and let them know the situation you are in. More times than not this helps show a student’s high interest in attending the school and could lead them to offer you an admissions spot.
3. Be patient
   1. Remember that a deferral is not a rejection! Do not let fear get in the way of making a rash decision like apply ED to a school that you are not 100% about attending. Oftentimes the college process is stressful which prompts students to be anxious about their choices. In the end, you are going to end up at the school that is the best fit for you as a student and as a person.
4. Stay in contact with your admissions counselor
   1. Get to know your admissions counselor, and give them a chance to get to know you! Creating a personal connection with your admissions counselor can help you gain more insight into the school and develop a relationship with someone that understands the admissions process

Source: tuadmissionjeff.blogspot.com