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Being deferred can be an unexpected and confusing part of the college application process. When a school defers your application, it means that they have not made a final decision about your admission yet. You are neither accepted nor rejected, and the decision is postponed until a later time. This can happen at schools with rolling admissions or during the early decision or early action rounds.

While a deferral can feel like a setback, it's important to understand that it's not the end of the road. There are steps you can take to strengthen your application and improve your chances of admission when the school re-evaluates your application.

Here’s what you should do if you find yourself deferred.

Review Your Application

After receiving a deferral, it’s a good idea to review your application materials, especially if you’ve already submitted your early application. Consider whether there are any areas that can be improved or clarified. For instance, did your personal statement adequately reflect your academic interests, passions, and how the college fits with your goals? Were there any key experiences or achievements that you did not include, which could strengthen your application?

If the school allows you to submit additional materials or ask for updates, make sure to take advantage of that. Look for ways to make your application stronger by highlighting your accomplishments since you initially submitted it, such as improved grades or new extracurricular activities. However, be careful not to overwhelm the admissions office with too many documents; make sure the materials you provide add value to your application.

Send a Letter of Continued Interest

One of the most important things you can do after being deferred is to send a letter of continued interest (LOCI). This letter expresses your continued enthusiasm for the college and reiterates why it’s your top choice. In the letter, make sure to:

- Reaffirm your interest in attending the college.

- Explain why the school remains your first choice, referencing specific programs, opportunities, or aspects of the campus community that you find particularly appealing.

- Provide any updates on new achievements or activities since you submitted your application, such as recent academic improvements, leadership roles, or new volunteer work.

- Keep the tone positive and respectful, showing that you understand the competitive nature of the admissions process but are still enthusiastic about the opportunity to be considered.

Admissions officers appreciate hearing from deferred applicants, as it shows that you are genuinely interested in the school and are taking steps to stay on their radar.

Improve Your Academic Performance

If you’ve been deferred, your academic record will likely be a key factor when the college reconsiders your application. It’s crucial to maintain or improve your grades during the second half of the school year. If you’ve been deferring your effort or struggling in any particular subjects, now is the time to buckle down and demonstrate that you can handle the challenges of college-level work.

Send any updated grades or academic achievements to the admissions office as soon as they’re available. Strong mid-year grades or an upward trend in your performance can show that you are committed to your academics and that you’ve continued to grow as a student.

If you're taking AP, IB, or other advanced courses, make sure you’re working hard to show that you can thrive in challenging coursework. If your grades have improved, let the admissions office know how you’ve overcome any obstacles that may have impacted your earlier performance.

Consider Updating Your Standardized Test Scores

If you didn’t submit your best standardized test scores with your initial application or if you’ve taken the test again and earned higher scores, it’s a good idea to send these updated results to the school. Some schools will reconsider applicants if they have improved standardized test scores since their deferral.

If your test scores didn’t initially meet the college’s expectations but have improved, this can make a significant difference. Admissions officers will take these updated scores into account when evaluating your application again.

Evaluate Your Options

After being deferred, it’s important to evaluate your options carefully. While you wait for the final decision, don’t put all your hopes on being admitted from the waitlist or the deferral pool. Make sure you have other schools where you’ve applied or been accepted that will be a good fit for you. Look at schools with similar academic rigor, campus culture, and opportunities so that you have a strong list of choices in case the deferral does not result in an admission offer.

Many students use the deferral period to focus on refining their application for other schools or to explore different options, such as applying to additional colleges during regular decision. It can be helpful to take some of the pressure off by knowing that there are other schools where you could be admitted and thrive.

Stay Patient and Positive

The deferral process can be frustrating, but it’s important to remain patient and positive. Keep in mind that your deferral is not a rejection, and it’s a reminder that the admissions process is highly competitive. Instead of viewing the deferral as a rejection, see it as an invitation for further consideration.

While waiting for the final decision, stay focused on continuing to excel in your studies and maintaining a strong application. Use the deferral as an opportunity to demonstrate your resilience, determination, and continued interest in the school.