Deferred? Now What?

When applying to a school during the Early Decision or Early Action period, there is always the chance that the admissions office may choose to defer an applicant. When this happens, students are often left with more questions than answers. What are the next steps? What can I do, as a student, to increase my chances during the Regular Decision period? To understand how you can improve your chances, it is vital that you first understand why colleges choose to defer some early applications.

What is a Deferral and Why was I Deferred?

For many admissions officials, a deferral letter is not something sent out casually. If a college sends you a deferral letter, there are several different reasons that may have driven their decision. For example, they might want to examine your application in the context of their Regular Decision applicants, or they might want to see how you take advantage of your senior year. 

Due to the rise in early applications, even the most competitive students may not secure one of the limited spots available at highly selective or popular schools. Therefore, if you received a deferral letter, it’s important to take a step back and remember: this is not the end of your story with this college, and you are not alone. 

A deferral letter is not a rejection letter, nor is it an indication of worth or whether you belong at this college. Essentially, a deferral letter is the way that admissions officials say, “we need a bit more time, but you’ve got potential.” 

Remember that it is natural to feel that you are on an emotional roller coaster of confusion and grief. It is important to take care of and be kind to yourself. A deferral is not a reflection or indication of your character, accomplishments, or potential. Take a moment to breathe, take a step back, and consider your next steps before moving forward after receiving a deferral letter.

Take time to reflect. Is this college still a top choice, or do you want to focus your efforts on other colleges on your list instead? 

If you feel the need to step away to collect your thoughts, come back to your decision and application when you have had the chance to reflect both emotionally and logically on the deferral.

If you applied to the college from which you were deferred as an Early Decision applicant and were deferred, you are now released from your binding commitment to that college. That means that if you want, you can apply to another college in the Early Decision II round if another college on the top of your list offers it and the deadline has not yet passed. However, keep in mind that Early Decision II is a binding commitment, so if you happen to later get into your EDI school in the Regular Decision round (after initially being deferred) AND you are also admitted to the school you then apply to EDII, you are required to go to the EDII school. Therefore, the decision to apply to a second school EDII after being deferred from your first choice EDI should not be taken lightly. 

Receiving a deferral letter does not mean that this is the last time you will be considered by a college. Once deferred, your application will be reviewed again, but this time with the Regular Decision applicants. What this means is that all hope is not lost. There are still things you can do from here to increase your chances of ultimately being admitted. 

What Should I Do Next?

Often, deferral letters include a brief overview of supplemental materials the college would like to see from you. Some colleges might request updated grades or test scores, additional recommendation letters or essays, as well as updates on extracurricular activities, awards, or honors. 

This is why your senior year grades matter! First semester grades might actually be the most important update you send because if your transcript shows strong grades in a rigorous, college-prep curriculum, this update could very likely give your application a boost. Strong grades also show admissions counselors your potential to thrive on their campus. Remember to do your best and finish this semester strong!

However, while updates are great, it is essential that students completely follow the instructions given in the college’s letter. Not following a college’s directions can lower a student’s chances during the Regular Decision round. If a college asks students not to send additional materials, letters of continued interest, or other updates, listen!

What Should I Include in My Letter of Continued Interest?

If the college does allow you to send additional materials, one of the greatest ways to reaffirm that you are still very interested in attending that college is by sending a letter of continued interest (LOCI). A LOCI notifies the college that you are definitely still interested in attending, even if you have to wait longer to receive a decision.

Basically, the college wants to know two things about you before admitting you. Colleges obviously are looking to enroll a freshmen class filled with highly qualified, successful students. Additionally, because a college is a business, having a large percentage of admitted students decide to enroll (ithis is called yield) will improve the college’s business model and, ultimately their bottom line. So, before admitting you, the college will want to know if are you capable of succeeding if admitted, and second, whether you will attend if you are offered a spot.

Your LOCI must therefore address these two points in an upbeat and genuine way and must avoid sounding like you are complaining or frustrated. Your letter should be short while hitting three main factors. 

• First, begin by thanking the admissions office for reviewing your application and expressing gratitude that your application is still being considered. Remaining positive and respectful is evidence of your strong character and personal qualities. 

• Next, give a brief overview of your accomplishments since you submitted your initial application. You must not waste the admissions officer’s time by repeating information that is already in your application. Rather, take the time to share any significant new accomplishments, including mid-term grades, an athletic or academic honor or award, a new community service project or goal, etc. 

• Last, you must reiterate your interest in attending the college should you ultimately be admitted. However, make sure to be honest. Do not tell the college that you will definitely attend if this is not true. You can still communicate a continued interest in the college without making promises you are not sure you can keep. 

Overall, remember that your purpose in this letter is to restate your genuine desire to attend this college. If it is truly your number one choice and you would absolutely enroll if accepted, tell them that. Make sure not to over-contact them or write a lengthy statement, especially if the college also requires an additional essay for deferred applicants. You are going to want to make sure that your letter differs from any additional required essays. While you may be upset or confused by your deferral, this letter’s tone should be positive, upbeat, and thankful.

What Else Should I Do?

You can also try to seek out additional recommendation letters. If there is a senior teacher, a coach or employer, or someone who can speak to something new and positive about you, then this could be a great addition to send to the college. You can also use this additional recommendation as another way to explain something that has changed in your life since you first submitted your application.

Many college admissions offices consider or at least note, student interest in other ways. Visiting the college campus, participating in virtual events, and even sitting down for an alumni interview could be a great way to reaffirm interest in the school. If you do get to visit campus again, try to meet face-to-face with your admissions officer or sit in on a class. Maybe you can even meet a professor or have lunch with other students on campus!

What About My Other Applications?

Don’t lose sight of the fact that there is only so much within your control in the college admissions process. Focus on improving the aspects of the process you can control, but don’t waste your time obsessing over things that you cannot. Your college admissions journey is far from over.

While the schools you applied to in the early round may still be among your top choices, you still need to focus on your Regular Decision list. Keep in mind that it is still very possible that in the spring, you may not be admitted to the college from which you were deferred, so you will want to make sure your Regular Decision schools are submitted by their deadlines in a timely and thoughtful manner. 

While you may be tempted to throw all your efforts into improving your chances at your Early Decision or Early Action colleges, do not neglect your Regular Decision applications. Plan ahead to give each college application the time it deserves. As mentioned, when your deferred application is being considered with the Regular Decision pool, there is still a chance that you may not be admitted. This is not a time to let your guard down. Tend to your Regular Decision applications, using input from your initial deferral, your outside supporters, and your own experiences and observations so you can improve your applications.

Most Important!

Deferrals do NOT define you! While it may be upsetting or frustrating to be deferred, there is still the chance that you will be admitted during the Regular Decision period. Your deferral does not indicate anything “bad” or wrong about your application; in fact, a deferral says that your application shows potential.