Deferred College Application: What Now?

I just got deferred from my top-choice school. Does anyone have any tips on what to do now? How can I make my application stronger for Regular Decision?

It can be disappointing to be deferred, but don't lose hope! There are several steps you can take to strengthen your application for the Regular Decision pool:

1. Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): This is a polite and concise letter expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to be considered in the Regular Decision pool and reaffirming your intention to attend the school if admitted. Mention any updates to your application, including new achievements or experiences that may not have been included in your initial application.

2. Update your application with recent achievements: If you've earned new awards, taken on more leadership roles, or participated in noteworthy activities since submitting your application, be sure to inform the admissions office. This can be done through the application portal or by contacting the admissions office directly.

3. Improve your grades: Although admissions officers usually won't see your second-semester senior year grades until after decisions are made, strong first-semester grades can make a difference. If your first semester of senior year has not yet ended, work hard to maintain or boost your grades.

4. Seek additional recommendations: Consider obtaining an additional letter of recommendation if you feel that another teacher, coach, or mentor can provide a unique perspective on your character and accomplishments. Be sure to check the school's policy on additional recommendations and follow their guidelines.

5. Visit the campus or attend a virtual session: Demonstrating interest in the college by participating in a campus visit, attending a virtual info session, or connecting with current students can show the admissions office that you're genuinely interested in attending their school. Some colleges take demonstrated interest into account when making admission decisions.

6. Apply to other schools: While it's essential to stay optimistic about your top-choice school, it's equally important to have a well-rounded list of colleges that you're interested in attending. Ensure that you have a mix of reach, match, and safety schools on your list and work diligently on submitting strong Regular Decision applications to each of them.

Remember, being deferred is not a rejection. Continue demonstrating your enthusiasm and dedication to your top-choice school, while also exploring various options for the next phase in your academic journey. Good luck!