Graph paper reading road to relaunch and 1, 2, 3 with laptop, notebook, and pen

An Inside Look at College Deferrals From Former Admission Officers

Did you get deferred from a great college? Don't worry! Here is an inside look at what you need to do next to increase your likelihood of admission.

Preparing college applications is an arduous and stressful process. Taking tests, writing essays, and seeking recommendations require months of preparation. Sometimes this effort is rewarded by early admittance to a top-choice school. By applying early, a student hopes to receive a letter of admission in December. Unfortunately, even for many of the most talented students, a letter from the admission office often informs them of a deferral.

What exactly is a deferral, and what is the best way to manage one? Let's discuss what this means and the steps you can take to improve your chances of still gaining admission—as advised by Admissions Checkup admission officers who have worked in the admission offices of Georgetown University, Columbia University, Bowdoin College, Ohio Wesleyan University, Northeastern University, College of the Holy Cross, Bates College, Yale University, and more.

What is a deferral?

The admission committee’s mandate is to put together a talented group of motivated and highly diverse young people who will contribute to campus life and ultimately be successful graduates. When deciding upon early applicants, the admission committee has yet to see the larger, regular decision applicant pool. Aside from a number of stand-out applicants who do receive early admission, a number of suitable candidates may be deferred so that the admission committee can consider them in light of the total applicant pool. When a student is deferred, they will receive an official “admit” or “deny” decision at the same time as regular decision applicants.

What to do if you get deferred

Upon receiving a deferral, it is possible to improve one’s chances of admission. Here are just a few helpful suggestions:

  • If you have not had an admission interview, now is the time to do it—preferably on campus. Make sure you practice your interview skills with a seasoned interviewer until you are confident that your skills are strong.
  • If you can, go on a campus visit (even if you have already).
  • Attend an information session, often given by a member of the admissions committee. 
  • Ask questions such as, “What percent of students are typically admitted after being deferred?” and “Is there anything I can do that might increase my chances of gaining admission?” Not only will this earmark you as a deferred candidate, but the information session speaker may note your visit and strong school interest in your application file.
  • Ask someone who has not read your application to read it and offer constructive criticism. 

Related: So You've Been Deferred: Now What?

Improve your chances

Former admissions officers from AdmissionsCheckup.com, an online application review service that helps deferred students get admitted, agree that there are some things students can do between now and the end of February that may help move their applications to the “admit” pile. As founder of the website and a former Northwestern University admission officer, I can tell you that a deferral is not a denial, and it is possible to improve your chance of admission. Taking the following steps could put you in a position to gain admission to the school that deferred you:

  1. Write a very brief letter to the admission representative. Acknowledge the deferral and indicate that, although you're disappointed, the school still remains your top choice.
  2. Keep a list of any new accomplishments, awards, and improved grades. Those will provide additional strength to your application. Be mindful of directions from the school and how and when they want this information. Most of the former admission officers from AdmissionsCheckup.com suggest sending a letter or e-mail in late January with any updates, followed by a quick note at the end of February, stating “College X continues to be my first choice. Thank you for considering my application in the regular pool.”
  3. Don’t let senioritis hit too early! A strong showing in the classroom senior year is often the key to tipping the scales, and buckling down and studying is something that is in your direct control.
  4. Ask your high school counselor if there is anything they can do to help or if they have any suggestions.

Related: 13 Ways to Improve Your College Admission Luck

Being admitted after a deferral depends a good deal on the specific school. Read the letter closely and check online to see if the school has a history of accepting fewer early applicants and therefore your chances are better. Since schools are more inclined to extend offers to students they believe will accept admission, this is critical. It’s still important not to put all your eggs in one basket—focus energy on the other schools on your list once you have completed the above tasks.

Don't let a deferral get you down! Check out all the blogs and articles in our College Admission section for more advice.

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About Stephanie Klein Wassink

Stephanie Klein Wassink

Stephanie Klein Wassink is the founder of Winning Applications and Admissions Checkup. She is also a former admission officer and a long-time college counselor.

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress

College Quick Connect

Swipe right to request information.
Swipe left if you're not interested.

Trine University

Angola, IN


Priscilla Yeboah

Priscilla Yeboah

High School Student

I was afraid and timid throughout my search for colleges, but I finally found the college that was fit for me and luckily I got accepted. One of the most influential things that helped me was the articles and advice on CollegeXpress. They've helped me a lot and benefited me as a senior to make the right choices in life. Thank you!

Katie

Katie

High School Class of 2019

My favorite feature of CollegeXpress is the scholarship search. As someone going out of state for college, I needed all the financial help I could get, and CollegeXpress helped me easily find scholarships I could apply for to help fund my education.

Keydi Banegas

Keydi Banegas

Scholarship for Students of Color Winner, Class of 2022

CollegeXpress is a great application that helped me search for many different scholarships, and it narrows the scholarships depending on how you set your profile. Not only that, but it helps you choose different colleges to apply to by finding matches through the description of your profile. It was the best experience for me.

Rose Kearsley

Rose Kearsley

High School Class of 2021

CollegeXpress has seriously helped me out a lot, especially when it comes to scholarships and studying for tests like the ACT. I also really love the financial help. It’s a little harder to pay because I live with a family of eight, so any help is appreciated. Thanks for this opportunity!

Aaliyah

Aaliyah

High School Class of 2022

My mother signed me up for a couple of scholarship contests through CollegeXpress. I was also able to do some research and compare the different schools on my list. I was able to see the graduation rates and different programs that helped me decide on Adelphi University. I will continue looking for some scholarships for my start in September.