Being Deferred in College Applications

Hi all, I'm a bit confused about what it means to be deferred during the college application process. Can someone explain what this means, and if it's a good or bad thing? Much appreciated!

Hi there! A deferral during the college application process occurs when a student applies through an Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) plan, and the college postpones making a final admission decision on their application. Essentially, the college is saying that they want some more time to evaluate your application in comparison to the larger Regular Decision (RD) applicant pool.

Being deferred is neither inherently good nor bad; it's a neutral outcome. While it can be disappointing not to receive an acceptance in the early round, it's important to remember that a deferral is not a rejection. It simply means that the admissions committee wants to take a closer look at your application during the RD period before making their final choice.

Deferred students will be considered in the RD round, alongside applicants who submitted their applications during the RD timeline. It's essential to keep in mind that the RD pool is usually larger and more competitive, which can influence an applicant's chances of admission.

If you are deferred, it's a good idea to continue showing your interest in the school. You may want to:

1. Update the college about any new accomplishments, awards, or achievements you've earned since submitting your application.

2. Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) expressing your strong desire to attend the institution and reiterating why you're a great fit.

3. Research the possibility of sending additional recommendation letters (if allowed by the school) to add new perspectives to your profile.

Remember that deferrals are not unusual, particularly for competitive schools with large applicant pools. It's essential to stay optimistic and proactive during this time, but make sure to submit strong applications to other colleges on your list as well. Best of luck!