Getting deferred from Early Decision - What now?

Hey y'all, I just got deferred from my ED school and I'm feeling kind of lost. What should I do now? Are there any steps I should take to increase my chances of getting accepted during Regular Decision?

Hey there, I'm sorry to hear about your deferral, but don't lose hope just yet! Being deferred means you still have a chance during the Regular Decision process. Here are a few steps you can take to strengthen your application:

1. Reflect on your application: Take some time to objectively review your application and see if there are areas you could improve. Were there any weak spots or inconsistencies that you can address before the Regular Decision deadline?

2. Communicate updates: If you have any significant updates since submitting your application, like improved grades or new achievements, make sure to send them to the admissions office. A letter of continued interest (also called a LOCI) is an effective way to update the school on your academic accomplishments and extracurricular involvements, as well as reiterate your strong interest in attending the school. You can read more about how to write a strong LOCI on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/deferred-or-waitlisted-tips-for-writing-a-letter-of-continued-interest.

3. Seek additional recommendation letters: If your school allows it, consider asking for an additional letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to a different aspect of your personal or academic qualities. This additional letter can provide the admissions office with a broader perspective of who you are as an applicant. However, you should only do this if the person you ask can shed insight on your candidacy that genuinely doesn't come across anywhere else in your application. Admissions officers are busy people, and they won't appreciate you sending in something extra for them to review if it's just repeating information they already know.

4. Polish other applications: Since you're not locked into your Early Decision school anymore, make sure to focus on polishing and perfecting your other college applications. Ensure your essays are tailored to each school, and highlight why you'd be a good fit at each institution.

5. Stay in touch with your school counselor: Your school counselor can be a valuable resource during this process. They might have insights into how your high school's past deferrals have fared during Regular Decision and potential strategies for improving your application.

6. Keep your grades up: Continue to excel in your current coursework. Colleges want to see that you're maintaining a strong academic performance throughout your senior year, especially if you were deferred.

Always remember that a deferral is not a rejection. Stay positive and proactive in making your application the best it can be for the Regular Decision round, while also keeping an open mind about your other options in case things don't turn out the way you hope. Best of luck!