What to Do if You’re Deferred in Early Decision: A Guide for High School Students
Applying to college through Early Decision (ED) can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. By choosing ED, students commit to attending a specific college if admitted, often hoping to demonstrate their enthusiasm and improve their chances. However, the outcomes of an ED application aren’t limited to acceptance or rejection—many students find themselves deferred to the regular decision pool.
A deferral can feel disheartening, but it’s important to recognize that it’s not a rejection. Instead, a deferral means the admissions committee wants to reassess your application in the context of the larger, regular decision applicant pool.
Here’s what you need to know about deferrals and how to take proactive steps to improve your chances of admission during the regular decision process.
Understanding Early Decision Outcomes
When applying Early Decision, applicants can experience one of three outcomes:
😁 Acceptance: Congratulations! This outcome means you’re admitted and are bound to attend the college.
😢 Denial: While disappointing, a denial in ED typically means your application will not be considered further.
😟 Deferral: This middle ground means the admissions committee found promise in your application but wasn’t ready to make a final decision. You’ll now compete with regular decision applicants, but the fact that you weren’t rejected is a positive sign.
What a Deferral Means
Deferrals occur for various reasons. Perhaps the admissions committee wants to see your mid-year grades, gain more insight into the regular decision pool, or verify whether your passion for the school remains strong. Colleges may defer strong candidates who didn’t quite make the cut in the ED round but could be compelling additions to the class once all applications are reviewed.
Furthermore, admission offices at selective schools set a target number for students they want to admit through ED and defer many if not most of the other applicants when they hit that target.
While a deferral can be disappointing, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate continued interest and strengthen your application.
Steps to Strengthen Your Application
1. Understand the College’s Policies
After being deferred, carefully review any instructions the college provides. Some institutions explicitly state what additional materials are welcome, while others discourage unsolicited updates. Respecting these guidelines is essential.
Colleges that are open to receiving additional information will ask that you provide the materials in your applicant portal at the college or by email to the admission office.
2. Submit a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
A well-crafted LOCI allows you to reaffirm your enthusiasm for the college. Use this letter to:
Highlight any new achievements since submitting your application.
Reiterate why the college is your top choice.
Express gratitude for the opportunity to remain under consideration.
3. Update Your Application
If the college allows, provide updates on academic accomplishments, test scores, extracurricular activities, or awards earned after your initial submission. Strong mid-year grades, in particular, can reinforce your candidacy. (See #4 below.)
4. Maintain Strong Academics
Your senior-year performance matters. A drop in grades could weaken your application, while strong academic progress demonstrates resilience and commitment.
5. Secure an Additional Letter of Recommendation
If appropriate, consider asking a teacher, counselor, or mentor to write a new letter of recommendation. This should offer fresh insights into your abilities and character, not repeat information already in your application.
6. Apply to Other Colleges
While you continue pursuing admission to your ED school, ensure you have a balanced list of colleges where you’d be happy to attend. Diversifying your options is essential.
Furthermore, students who are ready to make a binding commitment to another school can take advantage of applying under that school’s ED II application plan if possible.
Final Thoughts
A deferral is not the end of your college aspirations—it’s an opportunity to show growth and perseverance. By taking thoughtful steps to strengthen your application, you can make a compelling case for admission in the regular decision round. Remember, the journey to college admission is a process, and a deferral is just one part of the story. Stay focused, and keep working toward your goals.
Elite Prep offers comprehensive college planning and application services for students in grades 7 through 12.
Meet with our expert counselors to develop a winning strategy to get into your dream school!