Deferred decision: What does it mean?

Hey everyone! I've seen some people mention that they've been 'deferred' from their dream colleges. What exactly does a deferred decision mean? How should I handle things if I get deferred from a university?

A deferred decision means that a college has not yet made a final decision on your application, typically when you've applied through an Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) program. Instead of accepting, denying or waitlisting your application, the college moves it to the Regular Decision applicant pool for further consideration. This can be both a good and bad thing: the good news is that your application is still being considered, while the downside is that you'll have to wait longer for a decision.

If you get deferred from a university, here are some steps you can take to improve your chances of acceptance in the regular decision pool:

1. Remain proactive and positive: Stay engaged with the admissions process instead of getting discouraged. Keep up your grades and continue participating in extracurricular activities.

2. Write a letter of continued interest (LOCI): This is your opportunity to reaffirm your interest in the university and provide any updates since submitting your original application. You can mention new achievements, awards, or significant extracurricular experiences.

3. Request an updated recommendation letter: If you have established a strong relationship with a teacher, counselor, or mentor since submitting your application, you could ask them to write an updated recommendation letter that highlights your recent accomplishments.

4. Demonstrate interest: If the college considers demonstrated interest in their admissions process, attend virtual events, connect with current students, or reach out to your regional admissions officer.

5. Apply to other colleges: While waiting for a decision from the deferred college, make sure you apply to other universities that offer the programs and environment you're looking for. This way, even if you don't get into your top choice, you'll have other options.

6. Prepare for a possible Waitlist scenario: In case you end up on the college's waitlist, it's essential to have a backup plan. Enroll in another college you've been accepted to, and if you get off the waitlist later, you can decide whether to attend the deferred university or stick with your backup choice.

Remember, a deferral isn't a rejection, and many students still get accepted in the Regular Decision round. Stay positive, and demonstrate your ongoing interest in the university while making sure you have other options available.