Deferred? 5 Things You Need to Know This Year
If your college application was deferred, don’t panic. Discover 5 key things you need to know this year to improve your chances, strengthen your application, and plan your next steps effectively.
Introduction: When “Deferred” Feels Like a Setback
Getting deferred from a college can feel like a rejection, but it isn’t. Deferred means the admissions committee wants more information before making a final decision. If this happened to you, it’s normal to feel anxious or uncertain. The good news is that being deferred gives you a second chance to impress the admissions team, improve your profile, and show why you’re a strong candidate. This guide will walk you through five crucial steps to take after a deferral so you can turn it into an opportunity.
1. Understand What Deferred Really Means
Deferred status is essentially a “hold.” Your application isn’t rejected—it’s postponed for further review. Colleges usually defer applicants from Early Action or Early Decision pools to the Regular Decision round.
Why schools defer applications:
- They need more time to compare applicants
- They want to see improved grades or new accomplishments
- They may be balancing the class profile
Pro Tip: Check the college’s official communication carefully. Some schools request additional documents, like updated transcripts or mid-year reports. Respond promptly to all requests.
Callout: Deferred is not final—roughly 20-30% of deferred applicants ultimately get admitted, depending on the school.
2. Strengthen Your Academic Profile
Colleges often defer students to see updated grades. Your mid-year or first-semester grades can make a difference.
Checklist:
- Submit your most recent grades
- Highlight new academic achievements (awards, competitions, AP/IB scores)
- Continue excelling in challenging courses
Example: Sarah, deferred from her top-choice school, improved her mid-year transcript with straight A’s in advanced science courses. This helped her secure admission during the Regular Decision round.
Warning: Avoid slacking just because you were deferred. Admissions teams notice declining performance.
3. Update Your Extracurriculars and Achievements
Colleges want to see that you are actively engaged and growing outside the classroom. This is your chance to showcase progress.
Tips:
- Highlight leadership roles or new responsibilities
- Include awards, competitions, or recognitions received since applying
- Document meaningful volunteer work or projects
Pro Tip: Send a concise update letter to admissions summarizing key developments. Keep it professional, one page max, and include quantifiable achievements if possible.
4. Write a Thoughtful Deferral Letter
A deferral letter is your opportunity to reaffirm interest and provide updates.
What to include:
- Gratitude for being considered
- Updates on academics, extracurriculars, and achievements
- Clear expression of continued interest in the college
Example Structure:
- Opening: Thank the admissions committee
- Body: Update grades, new achievements, or experiences
- Closing: Reiterate your strong interest and why you’re a fit
Pro Tip: Keep it concise, factual, and enthusiastic. Avoid repeating your original essay or sounding desperate.
5. Reevaluate Your College List and Plan Next Steps
Being deferred may be a wake-up call to consider alternatives and back-up options.
Steps to consider:
- Review your list and application strategy for Regular Decision or other schools
- Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities
- Consider community college or gap-year options if needed
Comparison Table: Strategies After a Deferral
| Strategy | Purpose | Action Step | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submit updated grades | Improve academic profile | Send mid-year transcript | Shows growth and achievement |
| Highlight new achievements | Demonstrate involvement | Submit awards, leadership roles | Strengthens overall application |
| Write a deferral letter | Reaffirm interest | One-page update to admissions | Shows continued enthusiasm |
| Reassess college list | Plan for alternatives | Research other schools | Reduces stress if denied later |
| Maintain strong performance | Keep momentum | Stay focused in school | Prevents weakening application |
Callout: Focus on what you can control. Admissions decisions often hinge on new evidence that proves your readiness and engagement.
Real-Life Example
Jason was deferred from his Early Action school. He immediately submitted updated grades showing A+ in AP Calculus, a leadership role in robotics, and a regional award in science fair. He also sent a concise deferral letter expressing his strong interest. By Regular Decision, Jason was admitted and credited his proactive updates for improving his application.
FAQs About College Deferrals
Q: How likely am I to be accepted after a deferral?
A: Acceptance rates for deferred students vary by school, usually between 20-30%. Strong updates significantly improve your chances.
Q: Should I apply elsewhere after being deferred?
A: Yes. Continue exploring other colleges and submit additional applications to maximize options.
Q: Can extracurricular updates make a difference?
A: Absolutely. Colleges value growth in leadership, community engagement, and new achievements.
Q: Should I change my essay or approach for Regular Decision?
A: Usually, no. Focus on updates rather than rewriting your original essay unless the school explicitly allows new essays.
Q: How soon should I send updates or a deferral letter?
A: Submit updates as soon as possible, typically within a few weeks of receiving the deferral notice.