Explaining College Deferrals

Hey folks, I just received a notification from a college I applied to saying that they deferred my application. What does that mean? Does it still give me a shot at getting in, or should I brace myself for a rejection?

Hi there! A deferral basically means that the college you applied to didn't make a final decision on your application during the early admissions round, and they want to review your application again later during the regular decision cycle. It's not necessarily a bad thing, and you still have a shot at getting accepted!

Being deferred from a college gives them more time to weigh their applicant pool and make a more informed decision about bringing you on as a student. The good news is that you haven't been rejected, and your application is still in the running for a chance at admission. On the other hand, getting deferred means you'll have to wait longer to find out the final decision.

While you wait, it's essential to focus on the positive side and continue to work hard on your academics and extracurriculars. This period is also an excellent opportunity to express your continued interest in the college and provide any relevant updates that could strengthen your application. Some students choose to send a letter reiterating their interest in the school or providing updates on recent achievements.

However, it's always a good idea to be prepared for any outcome, so having a backup plan by applying to other colleges that fit your goals and interests is important. Ultimately, a deferral allows you to explore other options and keep your application active at the college that deferred you. Good luck with the process, and remember that getting deferred is not the end of your college journey!