Help with understanding deferred applications

I applied to a few schools via early action, but my application status says I was 'deferred.' What does this mean? Does it mean that I have been rejected, or do I still have a chance of getting accepted in the regular decision process? Feeling a little stressed about this.

Being "deferred" in the early action application process means that your application has not been rejected, but instead will be reconsidered during the regular decision round. It's normal to feel stressed, but it's essential to note that you still have a chance at getting accepted.

When your application is deferred, the admissions committee has recognized your potential but needs to evaluate you within the context of other regular decision applicants. Essentially, they want to assess how you compare to the larger pool of candidates before making a final decision about how you'd fit into the community of the incoming class.

At this point, there are several steps you can take to strengthen your application and improve your chances:

1. Update the college with any relevant additional information, such as improved grades or significant accomplishments that have occurred since submitting your early action application, and reaffirm your interest in the school. You can read more about how to do so, through what's called a letter of continued interest, on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/deferred-or-waitlisted-tips-for-writing-a-letter-of-continued-interest.

2. Request an updated letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor who can provide further insight into your abilities and achievements. Only do so, though, if the person would be able to add genuinely new insight into your candidacy - admissions officers are busy people, and they won't appreciate having to read information that can already be found in one of your other rec letters.

3. Demonstrate your interest in the college by engaging in their online events, signing up for information sessions, and reaching out to admissions representatives with thoughtful questions about their programs. While not every school tracks demonstrated interest, it never hurts to connect with the school in as many ways as possible.

Remember, being deferred does not mean you've been rejected—there's still hope. Focus on maintaining a strong academic record, continuing to participate in extracurricular activities, and staying involved in your community, as those endeavors will be sure to contribute to your success at whatever school you ultimately end up attending. Good luck!