Getting Deferred Meaning

Hey there! I've seen some people mention getting 'deferred' in college admissions, but I'm not entirely sure what it means. Can someone please explain what happens when an applicant gets deferred during the application process? Appreciate it!

When an applicant gets deferred, it means that the college has decided not to accept or reject the applicant during an Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) round and instead moves their application to the Regular Decision (RD) round. This allows colleges additional time to review the applicant's credentials in the context of the overall RD applicant pool.

A deferral can have various implications for applicants, which can include:

1. Admission officers need more time or information to make a decision on your application; perhaps they want to see your senior year grades or additional test scores.

2. The college is trying to balance its incoming class composition and might want to look at the entire applicant pool before making a decision on your file.

3. Maybe the school considers you a strong applicant, but there are other applicants with a slightly higher ranking or competitive edge.

Being deferred does not mean that your chances of admission are over. In fact, you might still have a solid chance of being accepted in the RD round. If you're deferred, there are some steps you can take to maximize your chances in the RD round:

1. Reach out to the admissions office to express your continued interest in the school. Make sure to update them on significant achievements or milestones since submitting your application.

2. Consider sending an additional letter of recommendation, preferably from someone who can shed new light on your strengths and qualities.

3. Remain focused on your senior year and continue to maintain a strong academic performance.

While a deferral can be disappointing, remember that it's not a rejection. Stay positive and keep exploring your options, including applying to other colleges during the RD round. Good luck!