Receiving a deferral from a college can feel like being stuck in limbo. While it’s not the acceptance you hoped for, a deferral gives you an opportunity to take action and strengthen your case for admission. Here’s how to handle a deferral effectively and maximize your chances of turning it into an acceptance.
Step 1: Understand What a Deferral Means
A deferral isn’t a no; it’s a “not yet.” Colleges defer students for various reasons, such as:
- Wanting to compare your application to the broader regular decision pool
- Needing to see your senior year grades to ensure academic consistency
- Considering more information about your activities, awards, or accomplishments
Understanding this can help you approach the situation with a positive and proactive mindset.
Step 2: Follow Instructions Carefully
The first thing to do after receiving a deferral is to read the letter thoroughly. Some colleges explicitly state whether they want additional materials, such as:
- Updated grades
- A letter of continued interest
- New achievements, awards, or other updates
If the college specifies that they do not want additional materials, respect their instructions. Otherwise, proceed with the next steps.
Step 3: Write a Strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
A Letter of Continued Interest allows you to reaffirm your commitment to the school and highlight any updates since you submitted your application. Here’s how to craft an effective LOCI:
1. Express Gratitude: Start by thanking the admissions office for reviewing your application and considering you further.
2. Reaffirm Your Interest: Clearly state that the school remains your top choice (if true) and explain why it’s the best fit for your goals.
3. Provide Updates: Highlight any new grades, extracurricular achievements, leadership roles, awards, or relevant developments since you applied.
4. Keep It Concise: Limit your letter to one page max and ensure it’s professional and well-written.
Step 4: Update Your Application
In addition to a LOCI, consider submitting the following materials if allowed:
-Mid-Year Grades: Many colleges request your mid-year transcript to evaluate your senior year performance. Strong grades can significantly bolster your application.
-New Test Scores: If you’ve improved your SAT or ACT scores since applying, send them in.
-Additional Recommendations: Ask a teacher, coach, or mentor to write a supplementary letter of recommendation, especially if they can provide fresh insights into your abilities or character.
-Portfolio Updates: For applicants to arts or design programs, consider updating your portfolio with new work.
Step 5: Consider Your Other Options
While it’s important to put effort into improving your deferred application, remember to focus on other schools you’ve applied to. This ensures you have strong options regardless of the deferred school’s decision. Spend time:
- Researching other colleges on your list
- Visiting campuses or attending virtual tours
- Completing applications for other schools with care
The waiting period after a deferral can be stressful, but maintaining a positive outlook is crucial. Keep in mind that many students are deferred each year and are later admitted.