Deferred from ED, what now?

I just found out that I got deferred from my early decision school and I'm feeling pretty bummed. Can anyone give me advice on what to do next? What are the chances of getting accepted in the regular decision round, and how can I improve my chances?

Being deferred from your early decision school might be disappointing, but don't lose hope! Now that you're in the regular decision pool, there's still a chance you'll be admitted. The acceptance rate for deferred applicants varies by school, and generally isn't released publicly, so what's most important is staying positive and focusing on what you can do to improve your chances.

Here are some steps to take after being deferred:

1. Let the college know you're still interested: Write a letter of continued interest (LOCI) to the admissions office, which reiterates your commitment to the school and updates them on any new accomplishments or awards, or new extracurricular activities you've participated in since submitting your application. The letter should be concise, genuine, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for attending the school if accepted- you can read more about how to write a strong one on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/deferred-or-waitlisted-tips-for-writing-a-letter-of-continued-interest.

2. Submit any missing or new test scores: If you've taken any additional standardized tests since submitting your early decision application, or earned a higher score on a test you did originally submit, make sure to send the scores to the college, as they might bolster your application.

3. Focus on your other college applications: Now that you have more time in the admissions process, consider widening your college list and put in the effort into crafting strong applications for other schools. Aim for a good balance of reach, target, and safety schools to maximize your opportunities.

4. Stay patient and optimistic: Remember that being deferred is not a rejection. Stay patient and keep focusing on your academics and extracurriculars, because even if you don't get into this school, your efforts will still serve you well in the future.

Keep in mind that it's important to be realistic about your chances of being accepted after being deferred, as each school has different acceptance rates for deferred applicants, and there's unfortunately no guarantee of anything. So, you should give your best effort to improve your chances, while also preparing for other college options by finding alternatives you're also excited about. Good luck!