If a college has waitlisted you, they have finished reviewing your application and decided to put you on a waiting list for admission. While being waitlisted can be frustrating, it's important to remember that it's not a rejection. One way to increase your chances of getting accepted off the waitlist is to write a letter of continued interest to the admissions office. This letter should express your continued interest in attending the college, update the admissions office on any new achievements or developments since you submitted your application, and reiterate your commitment to attending the school if accepted.

 (see templates below)

If you've been deferred by a college, it means that they have decided to postpone making a final decision on your application and will re-review it along with the regular decision pool. While being deferred is not ideal, it's generally considered to be better than being waitlisted. This is because being deferred means that the college is still considering you for admission, whereas being waitlisted means that you're not currently being considered for admission but may be admitted later if space becomes available. If you've been deferred, it's important to follow up with the admissions office to express your continued interest in attending the school and to update them on any new achievements or developments since you submitted your application.

 Ultimately the institution needs more information (most will want to review the mid-year transcript before they make the final decision) to see if you're a good fit.