Dealing with Deferrals

One of the realities of the college admission process is that not every student will be accepted to every college. The waiting game can often be one of the more frustrating aspects. With family members and friends consistently asking, "Where are you going to college?" the uncertainty present with each "I don't know" response can be overwhelming.

Sometimes even when you hear back from the college, the answer still leaves you wondering where you stand. That is the case with a deferral. A deferral is not a "yes" and it is not a "no." It is what a college will do when they need more time to make a decision on your application.

So, what should you do if you are deferred?

One of the first steps should be to stop in and see me so that we can talk about the college decision and develop a game-plan for your next steps.

If I were trying to simplify the process, then I would suggest that you review the information communicated by the admissions office and follow their instructions. If they tell you that there are limits on what you can do, follow those. If they don't specify any guidelines, it may be beneficial to reach out and talk to the admissions rep who covers our school to learn more about where you stand and what they would like for you to do to be a more "ideal" candidate.

Almost every college who defers you will allow you to submit a letter of continued interest. This is where you will communicate any updates and information you can share with the admissions staff. In particular, let them know that of any new experiences that you have had or recent accomplishments they weren't previously aware of when you first applied. Updating them on your new activities and accomplishments through concrete examples and, when possible data, is important because it is your effort to help give the college a reason to select you and add your application to the "accepted" pile.

The counselors have also sent an updated copy of your transcript to all of the colleges who require a mid-year transcript through Common App, but if you applied in a different format or it is a school that doesn't require a mid-year transcript, then I'd suggest you requesting to have one of your updated transcripts sent.

Additionally, if you re-took your ACT or SAT exams and haven't forwarded your most recent scores to the college, request for the scores to be sent directly to the college of your choice.

You may also be able to consider other outreach efforts to communicate your strengths with the admissions office such as an additional teacher recommendation letter.  (But only do this if they will be sharing new information in their letter that wasn't already addressed in other parts of your application.) Or an additional college visit to the campus.

Although no one likes to be deferred, remember that this is not the end of the world and there is still plenty of time to communicate your strengths to the admissions committee so that you will hopefully be accepted to their school.