So You Have Been Deferred – What It Means & What To Do

December 11, 2013
|In College Applications, College Decision, College Prep, College Search
|By Jeannie Borin

We know that application numbers this season are way up. It’s quite possible that you are a qualified student who has been deferred from your first choice college. A deferral means that you are qualified and that the admission officers will take another look at your application file during their regular admission period. So, what to do? If you are still interested in that college and would attend if accepted, here are some helpful tips of things to do now.

1. Don’t Be Too Upset

Most likely, if you’ve been deferred you are a qualified candidate. If you weren’t, you’d be denied. The percentages vary from college to college, but many students do get accepted after being deferred

2. Call About Your Deferral

Give the admissions office a call and try to speak with your representative. It is okay to ask why you were deferred. Explain that this college is still your first choice and ask them what you can do to strengthen your application. Be positive and express enthusiasm for the college.

3. Send NEW Information

Colleges generally ask for your midyear grades. Update your resume – DO NOT send anything that the college has already seen – All your information must be new. Also, think about other information that might be worth sending:

  • New and improved SAT or ACT scores if available
  • Participation in a new extracurricular activity
  • A new leadership position in a group or team
  • A new honor or award

4. Send a New Letter of Recommendation

An additional letter of recommendation from someone who has not written for you yet is a good idea. This letter should highlight your unique characteristics and mention some things about you not previously mentioned. If this is your first choice college, the recommender could say that in their letter

5. Send Supplemental Materials

You can check with the college to see if they allow you to send any supplemental materials – For example, an art portfolio or writing sample would do.

6. Be Polite

Thank admission people you communicate with and remain polite and positive. They are very busy this time of year so save up any questions rather than calling several times

7. Have An Alternative Plan In Mind

You should do what you can to get into your top choice school, but remain realistic. Many deferred students do get accepted during the regular pool, however, many do not. Make sure you have applied to a range of reach, 50/50 and likely colleges so that you will have additional choices if you get a denial from your first choice.

8. Compelling Letter To present new information, you may want to draft a letter to the college. You can be disappointed but not angry – short and to the point is best.

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