Why do some colleges defer students?

Hey guys, I'm a bit confused about deferrals. Why do colleges defer students during the admissions process? What are the reasons for deferral and what can a deferred student do to improve their chances of getting accepted? Any insights would be helpful!

Deferrals typically occur when a student applies through an Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) program. If a college is unable to make a definite decision at that point of the application cycle, they may defer a student's application to be reviewed again during the Regular Decision (RD) round. There are several reasons why a college might defer an applicant:

1. More time to review: The college may want to examine additional academic information (like senior year grades) or see how the applicant compares to the larger RD applicant pool.

2. Demonstrated interest: A deferred applicant may have applied EA but might not have shown strong demonstrated interest. Colleges may use deferrals as a way to gauge genuine interest, as applicants who follow up with additional information or updates may be more likely to enroll if admitted.

To improve your chances of acceptance after deferral, consider the following steps:

1. Update your application: If you have achieved something noteworthy since submitting your application, such as winning a competition, exhibiting leadership, or improving your grades, you can send an update to show your continued dedication and growth.

2. Demonstrated interest: Reach out to the admissions office, expressing your continued interest in the school, and ask if there's anything specific they're looking for in your application or if there's any additional information you can provide. Engage with the college by attending virtual events or connecting with alumni.

3. Obtain additional recommendation letters: If you've built strong relationships with teachers or mentors during your senior year, consider asking them for an additional letter of recommendation. It can help emphasize your recent accomplishments and highlight how you've grown academically and personally.

4. Revisit your essays: For schools that allow it, you might want to revise and improve your essays or provide new insights about yourself. Be careful with this step, though, as not all colleges accept revised essays after deferral.

Remember that being deferred does not mean you've been rejected. You still have an opportunity to get accepted during the RD round. Stay proactive and persistent in demonstrating your interest and updating your accomplishments. Good luck!