What does 'deferred' mean in college applications?

I've seen the term 'deferred' thrown around on this sub, but I'm not exactly sure what it means or how it could affect my application process. Can someone please explain this term to me? Thanks in advance!

Deferred is a term used in the college application process to describe the decision made by a college or university when they choose not to accept or reject an applicant during the Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) round but instead, decide to reconsider their application during the Regular Decision (RD) round. This means that your application was neither accepted nor denied; it is simply being moved to the next round of review.

Deferral usually occurs when the admissions committee feels that they need to compare your application to a larger pool of applicants during the RD round to make a fair decision. There's no need to worry if you have been deferred, as your application still has a chance to be accepted in the later round.

When deferred, it's essential to continue to demonstrate interest in the college to improve your chances in the RD round. You could update the college with any new achievements, awards, or extracurricular commitments that may strengthen your application. It's also a good idea to reiterate your interest in the school by sending a follow-up email or letter to the admissions office, as this can show that you're still eager to attend, despite the deferral.

Remember to stay optimistic and continue to apply to other colleges in the RD round. The deferral simply means your application is still being considered, and you have a chance to be accepted later on in the admissions cycle.