You’ve been waiting anxiously for your college decision, and finally, the email arrives.
But instead of an acceptance or rejection, you’re told you’ve been deferred.
What does that even mean?
Being deferred isn’t a “no,” but it’s not quite a “yes” either — it’s more like hitting the pause button on your application.
In this article, we’ll break down what getting deferred really means, how it affects your chances, and what you can do next to strengthen your case.
What does deferred mean in college admissions?
If you apply to a college through early action (EA), early decision (ED), or restrictive early action (REA), being deferred means the admissions office has chosen not to admit you yet but also hasn’t rejected you.
Instead, your application will be reviewed again during the regular decision process.
This often happens when admissions committees want to compare early applicants with the regular applicant pool before making a final decision.
So, don’t feel discouraged because deferred applicants are neither accepted nor rejected, so it’s not as final as a rejection.
It indicates that the admissions office sees potential in your application but may want to evaluate your academic progress, such as senior year grades or new achievements, before making a decision.
Basically, it’s not a rejection, but it does mean you’ll need to wait longer for a final answer.
Why do colleges defer applicants?
There are a few common reasons why students get deferred.
Understanding why it happens can give you some insight into how to improve your chances moving forward:
- The admissions committee wants to see more grades: Colleges often want to evaluate your senior year performance before making a decision. They might be waiting to see if you continue excelling academically.
- Comparing with the regular decision pool: Colleges defer applicants to compare them to regular decision candidates. This allows them to ensure a well-rounded and diverse class.
- Class balance: Admissions committees work to balance their incoming class based on many factors. By deferring applicants, they can see how early applicants measure up against the larger group before making a final decision.
Deferred vs waitlisted: What’s the difference?
It’s easy to confuse being deferred with being waitlisted, but they are not the same.
Here’s the difference:
- Deferred: You applied early and will be reconsidered during the regular decision process. You still have a chance of getting admitted, but you’ll be competing with a larger applicant pool.
- Waitlisted: This occurs after regular decisions are made. If you’re waitlisted, the college has filled its class but may admit you if spaces become available. Your chances of being admitted from the waitlist depend on how many accepted students choose to enroll.
Both situations leave students in limbo, but being deferred means you still have time to strengthen your application before the regular decision review.
What to do after being deferred
If you’ve been deferred, don’t lose hope — there are ways to improve your chances of being admitted in the regular decision round.
Follow these steps to stay proactive and strengthen your position:
- Follow the school’s instructions: Some colleges provide specific guidance on what deferred students should do next. If they ask for updates on your grades or additional materials, be sure to submit these by the stated deadline.
- Write a letter of continued interest: This is a brief letter or email you send to the admissions office expressing your continued desire to attend the school. Highlight any new academic achievements, extracurricular activities, or personal developments since you applied. This letter demonstrates your enthusiasm for the school and can reaffirm your commitment to attending if admitted.
- Maintain strong academic performance: Admissions officers want to see that you’re continuing to excel in your senior year. Strong grades, especially in challenging courses, can significantly boost your chances of admission during regular decision reviews.
- Consider submitting new materials: If the school allows it, you might want to provide an updated résumé or additional recommendation letters that highlight new accomplishments or areas of growth since your original application.
Emotional impact of being deferred and how to handle it
It’s natural to feel disappointed after being deferred, especially if the school was your top choice. However, it’s essential to maintain perspective.
Being deferred means the door is still open, and there’s a chance for admission in the regular decision round.
Here’s how to handle the situation emotionally:
- Keep things in perspective: Many students are deferred, and it’s a sign that the admissions office is still interested. Stay positive and focus on what you can control—like your grades and additional materials.
- Stay engaged with other applications: Don’t lose sight of the other colleges you’ve applied to. Keep your options open and give each application your full attention. You might find another school that’s just as exciting.
- Find support: Talk to friends, family, or counselors about your feelings. It’s okay to feel disappointed but don’t let it discourage you from pushing forward with your college plans.
How a deferral impacts financial aid and scholarships
Being deferred doesn’t usually affect your eligibility for financial aid, but it might delay the process.
Many colleges don’t review financial aid applications until after an admission offer has been made.
Be sure to submit your financial aid forms (like the FAFSA or CSS Profile) on time, even if you’ve been deferred.
You can also look for external scholarships that are not tied to the college’s admissions process.
It’s also worth noting that some merit-based scholarships are tied to early admission, so a deferral might mean missing out on those opportunities.
However, many scholarships are available through regular decisions, so don’t be discouraged.
Final thoughts
Getting deferred can feel like a setback, but it’s important to remember that you’re still in the running.
The admissions committee sees potential in your application — they just need more time to make a final decision.
Stay proactive by following the school’s instructions, updating your application, and writing a letter of continued interest.
Don’t let the deferral shake your confidence.
Keep up the hard work, stay focused on your other college applications, and remember that this is just one part of your journey.
You’ve put in the effort, and you’re closer than you think to achieving your college goals!