What to Do If You’re Deferred

If you​ have been deferred, take a breath. Truly. A deferral is not a rejection—and in many cases, it’s an opportunity.

Most colleges actually view Early applicants favorably in Regular Decision. These students raised their hands early and demonstrated genuine interest from the start. Admissions is essentially saying: We’re not done with you yet.

The key now is to be strategic. 

​Strengthen the Story

• Grade trends
  Positive momentum matters. A strong first-semester senior transcript can legitimize an upward curve and give admissions officers a reason to take another look.

• Clarity of personal narrative
  Does the application clearly show who this student is, what motivates them, and the role they’re likely to play on campus and beyond?

• Depth and commitment in extracurriculars
  Colleges care less about how many activities a student does and more about impact, leadership, and sustained engagement.

Build Momentum

Once other applications are submitted, shift focus back to the deferred school.

This is the time to:

• Lean into meaningful winter or spring activities that align with the student’s core interests. These don’t need to be flashy—they need to be real and substantive. This work will later fuel a strong update letter.

• Identify an additional recommender, if appropriate. A coach, mentor, research advisor, or supervisor from a key extracurricular can be especially effective—someone who can speak to recent growth, leadership, or community impact.

Craft the Update Letter
A well-written update letter can make a real difference. It should be formal, thoughtful, and sent both by email and mail.

A strong update letter should:

• Address the regional admissions officer by name
  (Your school counselor can help, or this can usually be found online.)

• Provide concrete updates
  New grades, leadership roles, projects, test scores, or initiatives. This is the moment to directly address any earlier weaknesses and show progress.

• Reaffirm interest clearly and honestly
  If the school is a top choice and you would attend if admitted, say so. If you’re unsure, you can express strong interest—but know that clarity carries more weight.

• Reconnect your goals to the school
  Reference specific programs, opportunities, or experiences you haven’t already discussed, and explain how they fit your academic and personal direction.

• Offer to connect directly
  A simple line offering to speak by phone or Zoom shows maturity and genuine engagement.

Strategic Reminders

• Prioritize quality over quantity in updates.

• Make sure each new development adds something new to the application.

• Keep performing strongly in current commitments—senior grades still matter, often more than students realize.

Most importantly, remember this:
A deferral means the college sees potential. They just want more information.

​I’ve seen many students approach deferrals thoughtfully and intentionally—and go on to be admitted to schools they once thought were out of reach. This is not the end of the story. It’s just the middle.