What Happens When You Get Deferred Early Action?

I'm applying to a couple of schools Early Action, and I've heard some people get deferred. What does it mean exactly, and how does it impact my chances of getting accepted later on?

When you get deferred during the Early Action (EA) process, it means that the college has not made a final decision on your application yet and is postponing the decision until the Regular Decision (RD) round. Essentially, your application will be reviewed again, alongside the applicants who applied during the RD round.

Being deferred can be a somewhat ambiguous situation, as it doesn't guarantee acceptance or rejection. Some students might view it as a second chance to emphasize their interest in the college and make any necessary improvements to their application, such as sending updated grades, letters of continued interest, or any significant achievements that occurred after the EA deadline.

As for your chances of getting accepted after being deferred, it's important to remember that these chances can vary significantly depending on the college and the applicant pool. Some colleges might admit a significant portion of deferred students, while others might accept only a small number. It's challenging to predict the outcomes, but staying optimistic and proactive can be helpful.

To optimize your chances, consider submitting a letter of continued interest to demonstrate how the college remains your top choice and why you believe you're a great fit. You can also provide updates on any noteworthy accomplishments, awards, or extracurricular activities since your initial application. Lastly, ensure you have a strong list of other colleges you're applying to in the RD round to maximize your overall chances of admission.

In summary, being deferred during the Early Action round means that you will be reconsidered during Regular Decision. This serves as an opportunity to update your application or communicate further your interest in the college, but acceptance rates for deferred students can vary greatly depending on the institution. It's essential to stay proactive and focus on applying to a well-rounded list of colleges to ensure the best possible outcome.