Being deferred from your Early Decision (ED) college choice can feel disheartening. You’ve poured your heart into your application, dreaming of joining the campus you’ve envisioned as your future home. However, a deferral doesn’t mean rejection, it simply means the admissions office wants to reassess your application during the Regular Decision (RD) cycle. Instead of despair, focus on your next steps to strengthen your chances and explore other opportunities.
1. Take a Moment to Process
First and foremost, give yourself time to process the news. It’s natural to feel disappointed, but try to focus on the fact that the admissions team saw potential in your application. They want to evaluate you further alongside the larger Regular Decision pool, which means you’re still in the running.
2. Understand What a Deferral Means
A deferral means your application has been moved to the Regular Decision round for further consideration. Admissions committees typically defer applicants they believe have strong qualifications but need more information or context before making a final decision. This could involve comparing you to other RD applicants, reviewing updated grades, or seeing evidence of continued interest.
3. Reassess and Reflect
Take this time to evaluate your application. Are there areas you can improve or additional achievements to highlight? Reflecting on your initial submission can help you identify ways to strengthen your candidacy. Consider:
Academic performance: Have you maintained or improved your grades?
Extracurricular involvement: Have you taken on new leadership roles or completed significant projects?
Personal growth: Have you had any meaningful experiences since submitting your application?
4. Communicate with the Admissions Office
Writing a letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a crucial step after being deferred. This letter should:
Reaffirm your enthusiasm for the college and why it remains your top choice.
Highlight any new achievements, such as improved grades, awards, or leadership roles.
Provide updates on ongoing projects, extracurricular activities, or personal milestones.
Thank the admissions committee for considering your application and express your gratitude for the opportunity to be reconsidered.
Make your LOCI concise, professional, and heartfelt. Use it as a chance to reinforce your commitment to attending the college if admitted.
5. Strengthen Your Application
Now that you have more time, use it wisely to enhance your application. This could include:
Improving Academic Performance: Submit updated transcripts showing upward trends in your grades.
Additional Recommendations: If permitted, ask for an extra recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, or mentor who can provide fresh insights into your abilities and character.
Portfolio Updates: For creative disciplines, consider submitting additional work or revising your portfolio.
Standardized Test Scores: If applicable, retake standardized tests to improve your scores and submit the updated results.
6. Apply to Other Colleges
While it’s important to remain hopeful about your deferred application, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use this time to complete Regular Decision applications for other colleges that interest you. Diversifying your options ensures that you’ll have opportunities to choose from come spring.
When researching and applying to other colleges, focus on institutions that align with your academic interests, career goals, and personal preferences. Be sure to craft thoughtful and personalized essays for each application.
7. Stay Positive and Persistent
The waiting period can be stressful, but maintaining a positive outlook is essential. Admissions committees value resilience and determination. Here’s how to stay motivated:
Stay Involved: Continue participating in extracurricular activities and pursuing your passions.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how minor they may seem.
Lean on Your Support System: Talk to family, friends, or counselors about your feelings and seek their encouragement.
8. Be Realistic and have a Backup Plan
While it’s natural to remain hopeful about your deferred application, it’s equally important to prepare for other outcomes. Identify safety and reach schools where you’re more likely to be admitted and would still be happy to attend. Having a solid backup plan can alleviate anxiety and give you a sense of control over your future.
9. Consider Your Next Steps if Accepted
If your efforts pay off and you’re accepted during the RD round, congratulations! You’ve proven your commitment and capabilities. Be ready to celebrate and make arrangements to join the college community.
If you’re not admitted, remember that college admissions is not the sole determinant of your success or potential. Many students thrive at institutions that were not their first choice. What matters most is what you make of the opportunities available to you.
Being deferred from your Early Decision choice can be a humbling experience, but it’s also an opportunity for growth and perseverance. Take proactive steps to enhance your application, demonstrate your commitment, and explore other possibilities. Your journey to higher education is just beginning, and many paths can lead to success. Remember, the college admissions process is only one chapter of your story—the best is yet to come.
EZ Scholar is a premium admissions consultancy and test prep organization which works with bright and ambitious students seeking admissions to Ivy Leagues, Oxbridge and other top global universities. Our experts have mentored thousands of students with their profile building, research papers, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, test prep and admissions essays.
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