College deferrals: What to do and how to handle it

By Kate Tayler

The college season is in full swing and for early admissions applicants, this holiday season is also the beginning of college decision season. For some, this is a wonderful time--I have personally seen many friends and family members get into amazing schools within the past few weeks. For others, this time might be one of disappointment or confusion with deferrals or even rejections. I have also seen my fair share of this in these past few weeks. While acceptance and denial are fairly simple to understand, deferral tends to be a confusing middle ground. What did you do wrong? What did you do right? For those in this boat, here are some steps to take after being deferred.

1. Make sure that the college is still your #1 choice - For early decision programs, most of them are legally binding which means that if you get in, you have to attend. For this reason, if someone applies early decision, this is typically their first choice school. After being deferred, you really have to make sure this is what you want. Deferral does not mean no, but it does mean that it would be a good idea to consider looking into some other post-secondary plans.
2. Talk to guidance counselors - Having a good relationship with your guidance counselors is never a bad idea. Many of them have been in the game for years and know how to play. Some schools that defer will require updates and reports from you so it is your job as dedicated applicant to find out what steps you have to take for the continued admissions process in those schools.
3. Talk to the admissions officers - Let them know that you are still interested, but make sure that you don’t come off as standoffish or upset; it can be hard, but I promise they will not admit you on your sadness alone. Be proactive and keep your dedication to their school at the forefront of their mind.
4. Ask around for varied letters of recommendation - Some colleges will allow for you to send in additional letters of recommendation so TAKE ADVANTAGE! Try to get them from different locations. Coaches, bosses, religious leaders, and mentors are all assets in this process.
5. Update your original application - Senior year is a crazy time and you are constantly growing and changing as a person so make sure that your applications still reflect that. It also could be a good time to retake and send in other test scores.
6. Stay positive and don’t tie yourself down - I am a firm believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason so if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out. It will be disappointing, which is completely understandable, but there are so many colleges and universities out there that there has to be more than just one that you’ll love. DO some research and go on some visits--you never know what you might find.

Regardless of what decision you find yourself with, I wish you the best of luck!