Deferred from early action

I just got deferred from my dream school after applying early action. I'm feeling a bit stressed about this whole process now. What steps should I take now to increase my chances of being accepted in the regular decision round, and how should I manage my expectations?

First of all, I understand how you might feel disappointed or stressed by being deferred, but remember that you're still in the running for your dream school! Here's a plan for moving forward and maximizing your chances during the regular decision round:

1. Reflect on your application: It may be helpful to take a step back and objectively identify areas in your application that could use further improvement. Perhaps you could elaborate on your extracurricular activities, address any weaknesses in your coursework, or share new developments since you first applied.

2. Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): A LOCI demonstrates your commitment to attending the college if admitted. In this letter, reaffirm your interest in the school, update the admissions office with new academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or accomplishments, and explain how the college aligns with your goals. Be sincere and concise in your writing.

3. Apply to other colleges: Keep an open mind and research other colleges that could be a good fit for you academically, socially, and financially. You should still apply to a balanced list of target, reach, and safety schools to ensure you'll have options.

4. Submit supplemental materials, if requested or allowed: Some colleges may request or accept additional materials like updated test scores, an additional letter of recommendation, or updated transcripts - be sure to fulfill these requests promptly and within the specified guidelines.

5. Keep up your academic performance: Colleges are still interested in seeing your senior year grades, so maintain or improve your GPA.

6. Manage your expectations: While it's normal to feel disheartened by a deferral, it's also essential to maintain realistic expectations. Deferrals can happen for various reasons (e.g., the strength of the early action pool, incomplete application materials), and some deferred students will be accepted during the regular decision round. Keep in mind that being deferred is not a rejection, but rather an opportunity to present the best version of yourself and demonstrate how you'll be a valuable addition to the incoming class.

Finally, remember that this is just one aspect of your college journey. It's natural to feel stressed at this stage, but keeping a positive attitude, being proactive, and exploring other options will ensure you're prepared for a variety of outcomes. Good luck!