What Does Defer on College Applications Mean?

I got a deferral on my college application, and I'm a bit confused about what it means for my admission chances. Does it mean I'm closer to getting accepted or not considered as strong a candidate?

A deferral from a college essentially means that the admissions office has not yet made a decision on your application. If you applied Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED), instead of admitting, rejecting, or waitlisting you, they've shifted your application into the Regular Decision (RD) pool for further consideration.

Deferred applicants aren't necessarily weaker than those accepted outright. Admissions offices might defer candidates for a number of reasons. For instance, they might want to compare your application to the larger pool of applicants in the RD round. Or they may wish to see additional information, like your first semester senior year grades, before making a decision.

Deferred students still have a fighting chance to get accepted, but the rates can vary significantly depending on the institution, so it's essential not to base your expectations on averages or anecdotes. You might improve your chances by sending a letter of continued interest to the admissions office or by providing any significant updates like improved grades or new accomplishments.

Remember, if you've been deferred, it's a good idea to continue working on other applications and exploring alternatives, just in case. The fact you were deferred and not denied outright indicates that the college sees potential in you, so don't lose hope.