Few processes in the landscape of highly selective college admissions can be compared to the precariousness of middle school crushes, but when I think of a college admissions deferral, that is exactly what comes to mind. Recall the note passed behind the teacher’s back with the simple question: Do you like _____ (name of daily crush)? Then the inevitable three boxes, of which the object of affection chose one: No, Yes, or Maybe. The biggest conundrum was always the maybe…was it that your true love wanted to let you down easy? Were they unsure? Too bashful to say yes? Something else? The gaggle of giggling teens at the lunch table considered the possibility, only to be distracted moments later by cold pizza and smarties, the next crush waiting in the wings. Minus the giggles and bad cafeteria food, the deferral can be equally as confusing as the checked box of MAYBE. Let’s take a quick look at what it means to get a deferral letter, understand why it happens, and what to do if this box is checked for you.
What does it mean to get a deferral letter?
A deferral is the reconsideration of an early decision/action student’s college application in the regular decision round of the admissions cycle. Many schools offer decisions in ‘rounds’, either early decision (which is binding) or early action (which is not). Deadlines for these early rounds are usually months before the ‘regular decision’ round, and will yield answers much sooner. A deferral isn’t necessarily bad news, but it lets a student know that their application will be considered again once all applications have been submitted.
Why did I get deferred?
Though only slightly more understandable than a middle-schooler’s affections, there are indeed a few common reasons why a student might get a deferral. These include:
The student is a strong candidate, but the college wants to see if even stronger students will apply. Remember, above all, colleges are businesses, and they want to brag that they have students with the strongest GPA/test scores/class ranks, etc.
The student is borderline, and the admissions committee is taking a ‘wait and see’ approach to the student’s 1st semester senior year grades or accomplishments.
The college is prioritizing ethnic/geographical diversity and is unsure where you may fit into that picture.
The student is an excellent candidate that did not demonstrate interest in the school. The school is protecting their yield because they doubt the student will accept an offer of admission.
Occasionally, the college received many more applications than expected, and therefore did not have enough readers to review the early round applicants (very rare).
What do I do if I get deferred?
If you applied early decision (binding), you are off the hook for that binding agreement. Most of our Access College America students apply early action (non-binding) - so here is our best advice for what to do if deferred:
Reply immediately to the office of admissions with a simple, short email letting them know that you are still interested in their school. Something along the lines of - It is still your top choice, and you are grateful to still be considered.
Keep your grades as high as possible, and strive for leadership and additional accomplishments at school. Send an update at the semester if applicable.
Compose a LOCI, or Letter of Continued Interest. It should contain a sentence or two of appreciation for the hard work of the admissions officers, another mention that this is your first choice college, the addition of any new information (see #2 - improved grades or accolades), and an additional letter of recommendation or two, unless you are specifically instructed not to provide them.
In some cases, you may wish to have your school counselor call the admissions office on your behalf and ask for feedback.
Keep the deferral in perspective!
There will be a temptation to take it personally if a deferral comes your way. I implore you not to. Please understand that this is in no way a value judgement on you, but a business decision on the part of the school. Ultimately, the institution you end up attending is not a measure of your success in life. In my opinion, it is always better to go to a party that would be elated to have you attend. If you submitted to a balanced college list, this deferral may be as fleeting a concern as middle school affections. Rest assured you will have plenty of choices who checked the YES box!
For guidance on balancing your list, college research, highly selective college admissions, essay writing and more, book your DISCOVERY CALL with Access College America today!
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