What if you are deferred?

If you were deferred, you were in the running. Your credentials were in the ballpark, and you simply were unlucky enough to be applying to college in the most competitive year in the history of American college admissions. Some students accept deferral with a philosophical attitude and quickly turn to Plan B. Others take steps to improve their chances of being accepted in the regular admissions pool. If you are in the latter group, read on for ideas about what to do next.

Find out why

Unless the college asks you not to do so, call the admissions office to try to find out if there were specific weaknesses in your application that you can address. Be very polite and very positive, and convey your strong interest in the college. Admissions offices are incredibly busy at this time of year, so keep any disappointment or frustration you feel firmly in check. The admissions officer responsible for your particular area of the country may well be familiar with your application and willing to talk to you about how to improve it. Alternatively, your high school counselor can make a call on your behalf.

Write a letter

Write the college a detailed letter saying that you want to remain under consideration and explaining, as precisely as you can, why you feel the college is particularly well suited to your academic and extra-curricular needs, talents, and interests. You may also comment on contributions you intend to make at the school if admitted, and inform the school of any accomplishments, awards, or honors that have occurred since you submitted your application.

Update your stats

You can send additional information to fortify your application. Many applications ask for mid-year grades, so it is important to continue to do well in school, and to pursue a challenging second semester of courses. You may also want to try more testing – is there an SAT2 you could prepare for that might add some luster to your application?

Send supplemental materials

If you find out that writing was a problem in your application, you could submit an extra essay or other writing sample. Many colleges encourage arts submissions. If you are a musician or artist, and ran out of time to submit a performance CD or art portfolio for your early application, take advantage of the extra time you now have to do so.

Submit an extra letter of recommendation

An additional recommendation could be a good idea, if the person (a teacher or someone else) really knows you well. The most effective recommendation would be one that makes the case for why you are an ideal match for this particular college (not a generic letter).

Make sure you have a backup!

Some deferred students are accepted during regular admissions, but many are not, especially at highly selective schools. So even if you make a concerted effort to burnish your deferred application, be very realistic and make sure you have submitted strong and enthusiastic applications to schools you are more likely to get into. Less selective colleges can be sensitive about their status as backups to more prestigious schools, and you must not treat them as sure bets.

Printable Forms

Information Request Tracker

Application Checklist

Individual College Application Tracker

Essay Checklist

Interview Checklist

Recommendation Checklist

Junior Checklist

Senior Checklist