Deferred Meaning Explained for Students Applying to University

Applying for college and waiting for results is one of the most stressful times in a young adult's life. Whether you aim for one specific institution or several, getting rejected is one of the top fears among high schoolers. 

However, there are more nuances than simply getting accepted or denied. There are also such options as being deferred or waitlisted. For example, over 83% of Harvard early applicants in 2024/2025 were deferred. So, it is a pretty standard answer one can get. Do not worry, it is not a rejection. 

There is no need to panic or feel despair. In this guide, we'll explain what this answer means and what one can do further. You'll also find all information on deferred vs waitlisted and the principal differences between those two responses.

Deferred College: Meaning and Implications

If your application is deferred, it means that the final decision on your application is not yet ready. The commission liked it and wanted more time to make a decision. You are a good fit for a class, but they need more time for consideration. 

So, it is not a bad response to get. However, it is not particularly good either. So, it is rather "maybe" in simple terms. 

Why can a committee defer an application? Here are the most common reasons: 

1. Not every early application gets admission right away. Your case might be strong, but not strong enough for early admission. So the committee wants to consider it in the regular pool. Only the strongest applications get accepted early, as there are still places for the general admission process. 
2. The application can be deferred because the committee wants to see more of your progress and achievements. They could be interested in senior grades, for instance, a letter of continued interest (LCOI), updated test scores, or any other relevant accomplishments that are yet to come. 
3. The college might want to evaluate your application in the context of general admission. It can be much more impressive than the average, or not, so they need time to see it for themselves. It is about forming not only an academically strong but also a well-rounded class. 

Deferred does not mean rejection. It also does not mean that you are not good enough. It implies the institution needs more time and information to make the decisions. Of course, it would be ideal to get accepted right away. However, it is not the case for the majority of applications. 

You still have a chance to enter the dream school, as about 10% of deferred applications get accepted later. 

Deferred vs Waitlisted: What is the Difference?

You've probably heard about waiting lists and might be wondering what the difference is between those terms. Both of them have to do with waiting for sure. But there is a clear distinction. 

You can be deferred only during the early application process (including early action, restrictive early action, and early decision). This term does not apply to the general admission. Logically, you can only be waitlisted during the regular admission process. The apparent difference is in the time you apply to a college. 

Let's say you apply early and get deferred. So, there is no distinctive decision on your entrance yet. It will be made in April or May, as part of the general process. Can you be waitlisted after? Technically, it is possible. Yet, it is exceptionally rare. 

The waitlist is created only during the general admissions. It also has a different meaning than being deferred. Being waitlisted indicates that the college wants you in the class, but there is no spot right now. So, if someone who was admitted rejects their spot, you'll be accepted. 

Yes, it is not a guarantee, but it is quite possible. The admission rates among waitlisted applicants fluctuate based on the college, year, and many unpredictable factors. It depends on whether some people who got admitted into two colleges will reject your choice or the other one. Their selection will create a spot for the first person on a waiting list and so on. For instance, there were 850 applicants on a waitlist in Stanford's class of 2024. Out of them, 259 were admitted in the end.

What does Deferred Mean for Me? 

As we've covered the "deferred meaning college", let's go over the options one has after receiving such news. 

As mentioned above, in case your application is deferred, there is no need to panic right away. It is still an indecisive reply. It is not the end of the world in any case. You still can get an admission letter in April or May. This depends on the general pool of applicants that year. 

So, the first thing you can do is breeze in and out and stay calm. After all, no amount of anxiety is going to magically turn "deferred" into "accepted". However, it is not the only thing one can do during the wait. 

First of all, you can consider applying to other institutions in the general process. It is always great to have a plan B, C, or even D. Secondly, you need to follow the instructions of the college that deferred you.

Those could include: 

• If the committee requires any additional information (which is often the case), make sure you send it over. It can be a letter of recommendation or updated test scores. If the college states that no further action is needed, then you just have to wait. 
• Do not send over any additional information that the committee didn't ask for. Too much can be harmful. Stay within the instructions. 
• If appropriate, write LCOI. It is usually a relatively short letter letting the college know you are still interested in the spot, with an explanation of why. Do not forget to provide the date for the COI and express gratitude for the opportunity. It is a good idea to provide dates for any achievements you've received after submitting the initial application. 

Remember that there are plenty of other excellent schools out there. You can apply to other places to have more confidence in the future. 

Final Thoughts on Being Deferred

So, does it mean if your college application got deferred? It means there has been no real decision made yet. You were not admitted in the early application process, yet you have chances in the general one. 

Undoubtedly, getting deferred by a dream college can feel discouraging. However, there is still an opportunity to get in. Make sure you follow the committee's instructions next. If more information is needed, provide it carefully. If the LCOI is appropriate, send it. 

And while you are waiting for the final decision, make sure you apply to other schools. You never know which path might be better. You may like a different college even more.