What does it mean to defer an application?

Hey everyone! I've heard the term 'defer application' thrown around a lot recently, and I was just wondering what that actually means? Is it something I should be considering in the college application process?

Hey there! Deferring an application means postponing your enrollment at a college or university, often for a semester or a full academic year, after being accepted. Deferral can occur in a few scenarios:

1. Gap Year: After being accepted, you may choose to delay your enrollment to take a gap year to pursue work, travel, volunteering, or other opportunities that align with your overall educational and personal goals.

2. Admissions Decision: Sometimes, if you apply Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA), a college may not finalize your application decision and instead defer your application to the Regular Decision (RD) pool for further review. In this case, you're still in the running for admission, but the college will decide your acceptance with the RD applications.

Whether you should consider deferring your application depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you feel an experience before attending college will add value to your personal development or have unique opportunities during that time, a gap year might be a suitable option for you. Keep in mind that deferral policies vary between colleges, so if you're considering it, you'd need to research the specific policies, deadlines, and requirements for each institution.

In the case of a deferred admissions decision (ED/EA), you don't have control over it, as it's decided by the college. It's not a negative outcome but rather an opportunity for your application to be re-evaluated during the RD review process. Just make sure to keep working on other college applications and maintain a strong academic performance during your senior year.