What is the purpose of a deferral vs waitlist, and how should students respond?

• A. Deferrals move decisions to a later date; waitlists keep options open; advise continuing to apply to other schools, provide additional information if allowed, and reassess options when decisions arrive.
• B. Deferral means immediate acceptance.
• C. Waitlists guarantee admission.
• D. Ignore other applications.

Answer: (A)

Deferral and waitlist are two ways colleges handle applications when a final decision isn’t ready yet. A deferral means your file is moved to the regular decision pool and a decision will come later, while a waitlist means you’re not in the admitted pile yet but could be offered admission if spots open up. The best way to respond is to keep options open: continue applying to other schools, share any new information or achievements if the school allows updates, and plan to reassess your options when those decisions arrive. This approach balances patience with proactive steps, so you’re not left waiting on one outcome. Remember, deferral isn’t a new acceptance and a waitlist isn’t a guarantee, so maintaining other applications is wise.