Understanding deferral decisions: What are my next steps?

I just found out I've been deferred from my top choice college, and I'm not entirely sure what that means for my application. Does being deferred lower my chances of finally getting in? What steps should I take if I still want to show interest and strengthen my application? I've heard of sending a letter of continued interest, but I'm not sure how effective that is or what it should include. Any advice on navigating this situation would be greatly appreciated!

I'm sorry to hear about your deferral, but please understand that there's still hope! Being deferred does not necessarily lower your chances of admission. Instead, it means that your application will be evaluated again in the regular decision pool. It's certainly disappointing now, but it's not the end of the road.

Continuing to show interest in the school is a good step! A letter of continued interest (LOCI) can be a beneficial tool in this situation. The aim of a LOCI is to convey your ongoing interest in the institution where you've been deferred and to provide any updates. Include any updates since your original application like new awards, an improved GPA, or an updated SAT or ACT score, for example. If you've had any recent relevant experiences, perhaps a new extracurricular activity, a significant service project, or a job that aligns with your academic interests, be sure to include these as well.

Write about why you're still interested in the school—perhaps you've learned more about a particular program or student organization that particularly appeals to you. The tone should be polite and express gratitude for their continued consideration of your application.

However, it could also be helpful to keep an open mind and give your other college choices' equal consideration during this time. You'll want to continue towards meeting all your chosen college applications' deadlines since you don't want to bank solely on a wait-list acceptance. This includes completing financial aid documents such as the FAFSA to ensure you’re considered for all possible funding avenues.

Lastly, keep up your grades and continue to participate in extracurricular activities; colleges do look at your senior year grades and activities, and maintaining (or improving) your academic standing demonstrates your commitment.

Remember, this isn't a rejection, they see something in you. It's just that they want to see how you measure up against the regular admissions pool. Keep your spirits high and best of luck with your admissions process!