Can someone explain the meaning of 'defer' in college applications?

Hey, I've been seeing the term 'defer' being used a lot while discussing college applications. What exactly does it mean when a college defers your application? How does it impact my chances of getting accepted?

When a college "defers" your application, it means that they have not made a final decision on your acceptance after reviewing your submission in the Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED) round. Instead, the admissions committee has decided to reevaluate your application during the Regular Decision (RD) time frame.

There are various reasons why an application might be deferred. The admissions committee may want to see additional information, such as mid-year grades, or they may have reached a certain quota in their early acceptance pool and wish to review your application within the larger pool of regular decision applicants.

Being deferred is not a rejection, but it does mean that your application will face more competition in the regular decision round, as you'll be considered alongside a larger group of candidates. It's important to stay optimistic and continue pursuing other college options in the meantime.

If you've been deferred, it's a good idea to update your application with any new achievements, test scores, or information that can strengthen your chances of admission. Additionally, sharing your continued interest in the school through a letter of continued interest (LOCI) can be beneficial. This letter should briefly express your commitment to the institution and mention any updates that strengthen your application.

In summary, a deferment is an intermediary step between acceptance and rejection, and while it can be disappointing not to receive a clear answer earlier, you still have a chance to be admitted during the regular decision round. Make sure to keep exploring other options and focus on enhancing your application in the meantime. Good luck!