What does it mean to defer an application for college?

Hey everyone, I've been hearing the term 'deferred application' a lot, but I'm not exactly sure what it means. Can someone explain its meaning and impact on college admissions?

A deferred application in the context of college admissions refers to when an applicant who initially applied for an Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) round is moved to the Regular Decision (RD) applicant pool by the college. This usually occurs when the admissions committee is unable to make a decision based on the early application and would like to review it alongside the RD applications.

There are a few implications and outcomes of having a deferred application:

1. Delayed decision: Instead of receiving a decision during the ED or EA round, you'll now have to wait for the RD notification date to know the final outcome of your application.

2. Reevaluation of your application: Your application will be reevaluated alongside the RD applicants, giving the admissions officers more time to consider your strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the larger pool of candidates.

3. Opportunity to update your application: If you have significant improvements or accomplishments after submitting your early application, you can send updates, such as improved grades or new awards, to the college. This information might strengthen your application and increase your chances for admission during the RD round.

4. No longer binding: If you were initially applying for a binding ED, being deferred means that if you are accepted during the RD round, you'll no longer have a binding agreement to attend that college. This gives you an opportunity to compare financial aid packages, campus culture, and programs from other colleges that accept you before making your final decision.

Being deferred can be disheartening, but it's important to remember that it's not a rejection. A deferral indicates that the college sees potential in your application, so use the opportunity to update your profile and strengthen your application during the RD round. Make sure to also apply to other schools to maximize your options. Good luck!