So You Got Deferred from Your Dream School - What Now?

Written by Amanda, University of Pennsylvania

Receiving a deferral from your dream school can be a tough pill to swallow. Unlike a rejection, a deferral means your application is still under consideration, but you won't receive a final decision until the regular decision round. While it’s not the outcome you may have hoped for, please remember that there’s still hope and there are steps you can take to improve your chances. Here’s what to do if you get deferred.

Next Steps

In the Moment

1. Fully Understand What a Deferral Means. DEFERRED DOES NOT MEAN REJECTED. A deferral means the admissions committee needs more time to review your application. They want to see how you stack up against the broader pool of regular decision applicants.

2. Acknowledge Your Feelings. It’s normal to feel disappointed, upset, or even angry. Allow yourself to feel these emotions rather than suppressing them. With that, find a little space to remind yourself that you have not been rejected, though it’s okay if that reminder is not helpful at the moment.

After, Follow College Instructions

1. Review the Notification. Carefully read the deferral notification for any specific instructions from the college. Some schools may explicitly outline what additional information they welcome, such as updated grades or new achievements.

2. Adhere to Deadlines. Make note of any deadlines mentioned in the deferral notification.

   Providing additional materials on time can demonstrate your continued interest and commitment.

Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

1. Express Your Enthusiasm. A LOCI is your chance to reaffirm your strong desire to attend the school. Be genuine in expressing why the school remains your top choice. Explicitly share that if the school were to accept you, you are 100% going to that school, and fully mean it.

2. Update on Achievements. Highlight any significant accomplishments since you submitted your application. This can include improved grades, awards, new extracurricular activities, or leadership roles.

3. Reiterate Your Fit. Explain why you believe the school is the best fit for you and how you align with its values, programs, and community. Be specific about how you plan to contribute to and benefit from the school’s offerings.

4. Keep It Concise. Your LOCI should be concise, typically one page. Be respectful of the admissions committee’s time while ensuring you cover the important points.

5. DON’T WRITE YOUR LOCI IMMEDIATELY. Take the time to process your feelings, regroup, and get your headspace back in the game. Aim to write your LOCI in January, if possible.

Maintain Strong Academics and Extracurriculars

1. Keep Up Your Grades. Continue to excel academically. Submit updated transcripts showing your continued academic progress and any improvements.

2. Stay Engaged. Maintain or increase your involvement in extracurricular activities. Taking on leadership roles or starting new projects cannot only strengthen your application, but can keep you grounded in the waiting period.

3. Update Test Scores. If you’ve chosen to retake standardized tests and improved your

   scores, send the new results to the admissions office.

4. Additional Recommendations. Consider submitting an additional letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or mentor who can provide new insights into your character and achievements.

5. Share Portfolio or Projects. If applicable, submit any new projects, portfolios, or creative work that showcase your talents and dedication.

Stay Focused on Other Applications and Keep Moving Forward

While it’s important to stay hopeful about your deferred application, continue to focus on other college applications. Keep an open mind about other schools you’ve applied to. Many students find that their eventual college choice, even if it wasn’t their initial dream school, turns out to be a perfect fit. Remember that college is just one part of your journey. Focus on your long-term goals and the many opportunities that lie ahead, regardless of where you start your college experience.

Conclusion

Being deferred from your dream school can be challenging, but it’s not the end of the road. By understanding the deferral, following college instructions, writing a compelling letter of continued interest, maintaining strong academics and extracurriculars, providing additional materials, staying focused on other applications, and keeping a positive perspective, you can navigate this period effectively. Remember, your dream school is still within reach, and many paths can lead to a successful and fulfilling college experience.