Few words cause more stress for families than “deferred.”
At first glance, it can feel like a quiet no.
As a result, students often feel discouraged, while parents are left wondering what went wrong.
However, here’s the truth—a deferral is not a rejection.
In fact, in many cases, it means a college still sees you as a strong candidate and simply needs more time before making a final decision. More importantly, what you do next can genuinely influence the outcome.
So, let’s break down what a deferral really means—and, just as importantly, how to respond strategically.
What Does “Deferred” Actually Mean?
When a student is deferred—most commonly from Early Action or Early Decision to Regular Decision—the admissions office is essentially saying:
“You’re competitive, but we need more information before making a final call.”
This can happen for several reasons. For example:
- The applicant pool was unusually strong
- The school wants to compare you against the regular decision pool
- They are waiting for updated grades or test scores
- They need more flexibility with enrollment numbers
Ultimately, the key takeaway is this:
If the school were not interested at all, they would have rejected the application outright.
Why Students Get Deferred (Even Very Strong Ones)
Although it’s easy to take a deferral personally, it’s important to understand that they are extremely common—even among top students.
More specifically, students may be deferred because:
- Grades and course rigor are strong, but not yet finalized
- SAT or ACT scores are solid, though not quite a standout for that particular school
- The student applied early to a highly selective program
- Admissions wants to see continued academic momentum during senior year
In other words, a deferral often reflects timing—not a lack of ability.
In fact, many students who are eventually accepted were once deferred.
What to Do Immediately After a Deferral
At this point, strategy matters more than emotion. Fortunately, there are clear steps students can take to strengthen their position.
1. Read the Deferral Letter Carefully
First and foremost, read every word of the decision letter.
Some schools provide explicit instructions, while others do not.
Either way, follow their guidance exactly. For instance, if they say “do not send additional materials,” it’s critical to respect that request.
2. Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
If the school allows it, this step is especially important.
A strong LOCI should:
- Clearly reaffirm that the school remains a top choice
- Highlight new or recent achievements (grades, leadership roles, awards)
- Maintain a concise, professional, and authentic tone
Above all, this is not the time to complain, explain away weaknesses, or sound desperate.
3. Finish Senior Year Strong
Meanwhile, academics still matter—a lot.
Colleges will carefully review:
- First-semester senior grades
- Course rigor
- Overall academic consistency
Consequently, a drop in performance after a deferral can be more damaging than families realize.
4. Consider Updating Test Scores
Additionally, if you are close to a school’s typical SAT or ACT range, submitting an improved score can help.
Even a modest increase may strengthen your application—especially if the improvement occurred after you initially applied.
5. Stay Engaged—but Don’t Overdo It
Finally, remember that quality matters more than quantity.
One thoughtful update is far more effective than multiple unnecessary emails.
Admissions officers notice professionalism—and restraint.
What Not to Do After Being Deferred
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what to avoid.
- Panic and assume rejection
- Send repeated emails with no new information
- Obsessively compare yourself to other applicants
- Lose focus or motivation during senior year
Ultimately, admissions officers are evaluating maturity and judgment—not just grades and scores.
A Note for Parents
Naturally, a deferral can feel like a setback. However, in many cases, it’s actually a second opportunity.
With that in mind, the most helpful things parents can do are:
- Remain calm and reassuring
- Focus on what is still within the student’s control
- Avoid adding pressure during an already emotional process
More often than not, confidence paired with strategy makes a meaningful difference.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, being deferred means:
- You are still under consideration
- The college has not said no
- Your next steps truly matter
When handled correctly, a deferral can—and often does—turn into an acceptance.
If your student needs guidance on whether to submit updated test scores, how to write a strong Letter of Continued Interest, or how to adjust their strategy moving forward, the right support can make all the difference.
Deferred ≠ rejected.
It’s simply unfinished business.