So You’ve Been Deferred…What’s Next?
You didn’t get into your dream school. But you didn’t NOT get in either. Deferred. Waitlisted. The bottom line is your application has been moved to the “regular decision” pool of applicants to be re-evaluated. As more and more students apply Early Action, colleges are having to defer more students to the regular decision pool so, do not despair.
If you’ve been deferred, there are a few things you need to do next.
Here they are:
Read the school’s instructions and follow them
Most letters of deferral will come with specific instructions telling you what to do next. Read the whole thing and follow the directions. Some schools will ask you to indicate on their portal if you want to continue to stay in their pool of applicants. Check whatever boxes and forms you need to check to be sure your application will continue to be considered. If the college tells you to not do anything else or send anything else – don’t do it.
Find out if you can make changes
Call admissions to see if you can/should re-apply with a different major or even to a different college within the university. For example, if you applied to the College of Business, can you re-apply to their College of Arts & Sciences as an Economics major? Reach out and find out if they have any suggestions. Some colleges do not allow any changes, others encourage it. You won’t know til you ask.
Consider sending a Letter of Continued Interest
Send an updated letter stressing why you believe you are a strong fit for the school. Update any significant accomplishments since the time of your application such as – new semester grades, any honor, award, or distinction that you have earned since you filed your application etc. (lead in the school play, All-state or district selection in a sport, choir, or band, art exhibit selection, academic awards, competition results, etc.) Click here for more info on writing a Letter of Continued Interest.
Request More Recommendations
Ask someone to send an additional letter of recommendation. This is preferably a new recommender who could highlight a new aspect of your background/personality that maybe wasn’t covered in your previous recommendations. Options include a recommendation from a different teacher, an employer, a coach, or anyone you think can speak to your strengths. Keep in mind that an alumnus of the institution is a particularly great choice!! You can ask your recommender to send their letter directly to admissions or coordinate with your guidance counselor.
Don’t become a bother
DO NOT send multiple emails, make multiple phone calls, send gifts, cards, or bother the admissions office with repeated contacts. They are very busy this time of year, respect their time and attention.
Being deferred is not the end of the road. But it is definitively a BEND in the road. So, ride the curve. Lean into it by doing what you can to increase your chances of admission. But keep your eyes and mind open to other options. You make your own college experience by who you meet and what you do when you get there. Remember wherever you go…your dreams go with you.
Contact Us…if you have any questions or need help navigating the college admissions landscape.