5 secrets to smarter college applications

What to do after a deferral or waitlist (and how to improve your chances)

Few parts of the college admissions process feel as uncertain as getting deferred or waitlisted at a top-choice school. These outcomes aren’t a “yes,” but they aren’t a “no” either, so it’s completely normal to wonder what to do next.

The good news: there are smart, respectful ways to strengthen your application after a deferral or waitlist decision. The key is to focus on what admissions offices actually value: clear communication, meaningful updates, strong senior-year performance, and good judgment.

Below are the best next steps, plus what to avoid so you don’t accidentally hurt your chances.

Key takeaways

• Sending lots of extra documents may hurt your application if a college doesn’t allow them.
• Admissions officers notice real, meaningful achievements, not long lists of minor activities.
• Senior year performance matters: finishing strong can help your outcome.
• Thoughtful, authentic follow-ups can be positive if the college permits them.
• A calm, strategic approach supports both your mental health and your application.

Next steps after a deferral or waitlist (quick checklist)

If you want a clear plan, start here:

1. Read the school’s deferral/waitlist instructions carefully
2. Confirm whether updates or a LOCI are allowed
3. Choose 1-2 meaningful updates (only if you truly have them)
4. Write one focused message and send it by the preferred timeline
5. Keep grades strong and maintain course rigor
6. Continue applying to other colleges and scholarships
7. Stay steady: your worth isn’t defined by one decision

Be mindful: Don’t overload admissions offices

After a deferral or waitlist decision, it’s tempting to send “anything and everything” to prove you deserve a spot. But in many cases, more information does not necessarily lead to a better outcome.

Why it matters

Admissions teams review thousands of applications in a short time. When students submit extra documents that aren’t requested, it can:

• Slow down the review process
• Create confusion about what’s new and what’s important
• Signal that the applicant didn’t follow instructions

Colleges often state clearly that they do not accept unsolicited materials, and when they do, they usually explain exactly what’s allowed.

What admissions committees want

Most colleges expect a standard set of materials, such as:

• Transcript(s)
• Test scores (if applicable)
• Essays
• Activities list
• A set number of recommendations

Additional materials are usually only relevant when the school requests them (for example, a required art portfolio or music supplement).

Advice for applicants

Before you send anything new, ask yourself:

• Did the college ask for this?
• Does this add brand-new information?
• Will it change how they understand my strengths?

If the answer is no, it’s usually better not to send it.

Bottom line: Following directions is part of demonstrating maturity and readiness for college.

Share only significant updates

Many students feel pressure to “prove they’re busy” after a deferral or waitlist decision. But admissions officers aren’t looking for volume, they’re looking for impact.

What counts as a meaningful update?

A strong update is something that genuinely changes your profile, such as:

• Earning a major academic or community award
• Publishing research or completing a significant project
• Receiving a competitive certification or distinction
• Achieving measurable leadership impact (not just a new title)
• Winning a regional/state/national competition

Smaller updates, like attending meetings, joining another club, or adding minor hours, usually won’t move the needle.

Examples of strong vs. weak updates

Strong updates:

• “I organized a statewide fundraiser that raised $18,000 for a local shelter.”
• “My research project was accepted for presentation at a regional conference.”

Less effective updates:

• “I attended another leadership seminar.”
• “I joined a new club and went to two meetings.”

How to share updates effectively

If the school allows updates, keep it simple:

• Choose 1-2 strong updates
• Explain what happened, why it matters, and what it shows about you
• Keep your tone respectful and your message short

The goal: help the reader understand your growth without overwhelming them with details.

Senior year performance matters

Senior year isn’t just “waiting season.” Colleges still care about how you finish, especially if you’re deferred or waitlisted.

Why senior year is so important

Colleges want to see consistency. Strong senior-year grades and challenging coursework show that:

• You can handle college-level expectations
• You’re still motivated after submitting applications
• Your academic readiness is real, not temporary

A significant drop in grades or a major decrease in course rigor can raise concerns.

What you should do now

To protect and improve your chances:

• Keep your grades as strong as possible
• Stay engaged in AP, honors, IB, or advanced coursework (if you’re enrolled)
• Ask for help early if a class becomes difficult
• Maintain steady involvement in your most meaningful activities

Tip: If you earn a strong mid-year grade improvement or complete a major academic milestone, that can sometimes qualify as a meaningful update, as long as the college accepts them.

What does a deferral mean?

A deferral typically happens when you apply early (Early Action or Early Decision), and the college decides to review your application again in the regular decision pool.

What a deferral is (and isn’t)

A deferral is:

• A sign the college saw potential
• A decision to reconsider you later
• A common outcome at selective schools

A deferral is not:

• A rejection
• A guarantee you’ll be admitted later
• A signal that you should flood them with extra materials

In other words: you’re still in the running, but you need to be strategic.

What is demonstrated interest (and does it matter after deferral)?

Some colleges track how likely a student is to enroll if admitted. This is called demonstrated interest, and it can include:

• Campus visits (in-person or virtual)
• Attending information sessions
• Emailing admissions with thoughtful questions
• Engaging with student panels or webinars

Does demonstrated interest matter for highly selective colleges?

Sometimes, but not always. Some schools consider it heavily, while others don’t track it at all.

What you should do

Instead of guessing, do this:

• Check the school’s admissions website
• Read the deferral/waitlist instructions
• Ask your counselor if the college values demonstrated interest

If the school welcomes it, focus on one meaningful interaction, not repeated contact.

How to write a letter of continued interest (LOCI)

One of the most common questions after a deferral or waitlist decision is:
Should I write a letter of continued interest?

A LOCI (letter of continued interest) is a short message that confirms you still want to attend and shares any important updates.

When to send a LOCI

Send a LOCI if:

• The college allows it
• You are still genuinely interested
• You have something meaningful to say (even if it’s brief)

Do not send a LOCI if:

• The school explicitly says not to contact them
• You don’t actually plan to attend if admitted
• You’re only writing it out of panic

What to include in a LOCI (simple structure)

A strong LOCI usually includes:

1. A brief thank-you and confirmation of interest
2. 1-2 meaningful updates (if you have them)
3. Specific reasons the school is a great fit (programs, values, opportunities)
4. A polite closing

Sample LOCI paragraph (short and effective)

Thank you for continuing to consider my application. [College Name] remains my top choice, and I would be excited to enroll if admitted. Since submitting my application, I [brief meaningful update]. This experience reinforced my interest in [specific program/opportunity] at [College Name], especially because [specific reason]. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Keep it respectful, clear, and easy to review.

Supplemental recommendations: Quality over quantity

Some students wonder if an extra recommendation letter will help after a deferral or waitlist. In most cases, more letters aren’t better.

When an extra recommendation might help

Only consider an additional letter if:

• The school allows it
• It comes from someone who knows you well
• It adds a new perspective (not a repeat of what’s already in your file)

For example, a letter from:

• A research mentor who supervised a major project
• A coach who can speak to leadership and growth
• A supervisor from a significant job or internship

When it’s better not to send one

Avoid sending extra recommendations if:

• They’re generic
• They repeat what teachers already said
• The school discourages additional materials

Rule of thumb: If it doesn’t add new insight, skip it.

Managing emotions during the waiting period

Being deferred or waitlisted can bring stress, disappointment, and constant second-guessing. That reaction is normal, but you don’t have to let it take over your senior year.

Healthy coping strategies

Try to focus on what’s in your control:

• Stick to routines (sleep, schoolwork, activities)
• Spend time with supportive friends and family
• Journal or talk things through with a trusted adult
• Limit obsessive portal-checking and comparison

Admissions decisions can depend on factors you’ll never see, such as institutional priorities, space limits, or enrollment goals. Your value doesn’t change because of one outcome.

Strategic communication is key

The best approach after a deferral or waitlist is simple: be calm, be thoughtful, and follow instructions exactly.

Instead of sending excessive documents or repeated messages, focus on:

• Meaningful updates only
• Strong senior-year grades
• One respectful, well-written LOCI (if allowed)
• Steady progress in your most important commitments

A deferral or waitlist can feel like a setback, but it’s also a chance to show maturity, resilience, and good judgment, qualities colleges value just as much as achievements.