What Happens if Waitlisted or Deferred?
Despite the disappointment of getting waitlisted, what should you do? Ultimately, the actions you
take are determined by how important the school is to you. If not a top school, really no specific actions
are necessary. However, IF a top choice (particularly your #1 choice!), then, as a first step, you
should write a letter specifically letting the school know of your interest (see our Sample Waitlist
Letter below).
Typically, being waitlisted means the school is not going to get back to you until at least May 1st
(and as late as July/August!) to let you know whether you have been accepted. By April 1st, you
should have heard from all of the other schools whether you have been accepted to those schools.
Once you receive all of the acceptances and financial aid packages from those schools, you need to
determine if you still want to wait for the waitlisted school (or schools). If you do, you need to pick
another school (your second choice) and actually commit to that school, make a deposit, and let
them know you’re coming. If you are ultimately offered acceptance into your waitlist school, if the
financial package makes sense, and you as a family decide to go that school versus the school that
you already committed to, what you risk is losing your deposit. And then, as a courtesy, send a nice
letter to the second choice school telling them that you ended up going somewhere else (and see if you can get a
refund of your deposit).
So, in summary, the only downside of waiting for a preferred waitlist school is you risk losing a deposit at
another choice.
A deferral typically means you applied “early” (early decision, early action, etc.) and you have been
deferred to the “regular” decision pool. Assuming that school is a top choice, send a letter expressing
your continued interest in that school (similar to the sample Waitlist letter below). Timing wise, there should
be no issues regarding other schools, decisions, and/or deposits.
Below, please find a sample letter that may be personalized and sent to the admissions office
on behalf of the student.
Sample Waitlisted Letter (#1 choice school– page 1 of 2)
Name
Address
April 7, 2024
Name of Admissions Officer
Harvard Admissions Office
Dear Admissions Officer:
This letter is in response to my placement on the waiting list for the class of 2028. Despite
being accepted to several other quality universities, Harvard remains my first choice. If
ultimately accepted, I will attend, regardless of circumstances.
Because of the gap between your receipt of my application and today, I’d like to briefly update
you on my life in and out of the classroom. My two most stimulating subjects this semester
have been AP English Literature and AP Physics. Literature is focal to life as a senior
because it requires a level of analysis that ultimately applies to my own feelings about
deeper questions in life—thoughts becoming more common as my experiences grow. The
study of dramas like “Death of a Salesman” and novels such as “Heart of Darkness” has
been a fundamental aspect in the development of my own beliefs and opinions. Physics
compels thought in a different but equally significant way. In addition to providing an engrossing
challenge, my physics class drives me to consider situations and ideas in multiple
dimensions, expanding my capability for thought.
Outside the classroom, life remains extremely busy. The Habitat for Humanity house,
which I am responsible for raising $40,000 for, has been built, but still lacks some funding.
As the school year quickly elapses, I am growing familiar with the stress and pressure
of fundraising with limited time. However, I love a challenge and my deadline is motivational.
The coming of spring means a new season of preparation for my a cappella
group. As the prospect of summer nears, I’ve found a challenge in harnessing the energy
of eighteen girls, but also a wonderful way to channel it. I’ve enjoyed arranging new music
for the group and watching as it takes life off of the page through their individual interpretations.
(continued on next page)
Sample Waitlisted Letter (#1 choice school—page 2 of 2)
After researching and visiting Harvard, it appears to be an ideal match, socially and educationally.
Apart from the College’s obvious strengths, comprehensive course offerings and
the unparalleled Study Abroad program are of distinct appeal. Courses such as “The Politics
of African Humanitarian Emergencies” taught by Alexander de Waal, “The United Nations,
Past and Present” taught by Samantha J. Power, as well as the study abroad program
in Botswana focusing on HIV in Africa seem customized to my intellectual and career-
related interests. As a student at Harvard, I would make an impact on the community
through public service with foundations such as PBHA’s Habitat for Humanity and Project
HEALTH. I would also continue to pursue my vocal interests through Harvard’s vast a cappella
opportunities.
In May, I plan to visit Harvard again to become more familiar with the campus and express
my continued interest in matriculating at the College. I understand that your committee
may be evaluating applications for the waiting list at this point, and I would love to meet
briefly with you or one your colleagues for an interview if you are available. It is an honor to
still be considered as an applicant to Harvard, and I look forward to hearing back from you
again in July.
Sincerely,
Name of student
