“I got deferred. Now what?”
Anticipating an acceptance − or rejection − from college often fails to account for a third possibility: deferral. Colleges may defer a final decision on an application for admission, seeing potential in the student for reconsideration. In most cases, a deferral is not a denial; rather, it should be viewed as a subtle request for more information!
It's important to note that different universities handle deferrals in different ways. For instance, Harvard's early application cycle saw 938 acceptances, 611 rejections, and 4,882 deferrals out of 6,630 applicants. Conversely, schools like Northwestern defer only around 1-2% of applicants, while Georgetown University defers all non-accepted applicants rather than outright rejecting them.
Being deferred doesn’t signify the end. Here are practical steps to elevate your application and exhibit your worthiness for a spot in the upcoming class:
1. Reassess your priorities
Is this college still among your top choices? It's crucial to evaluate if your aspirations and goals align with the university’s. Is it still one of your dream institutions?
2. Communicate with the university
Some institutions may seek further information before deciding. Before submitting additional materials, confirm if the college accepts supplementary documents. Consider sharing a comprehensive résumé or LinkedIn profile to augment your application if you didn’t include it with your initial application.
3. Most of all, craft a compelling letter
If the college remains one of your top choices and you have notable information updates, write a response to the deferral letter you have received. Keep it concise by touching only on these points:
Why it remains your preferred choice.
New accomplishments or developments post-application, such as improved test scores; exceptional first-semester grades in advanced courses; new extracurricular achievements, volunteer work, or independent projects.
Emphasize your potential contributions to the campus community.
Sample Template:
Here’s a sample template to help you write your own compelling letter after a deferral…
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Email Address]
[Date]
Admissions Office
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Admissions Officer’s Name or Title],
(Use the name of the person who signed your deferral letter)
I am writing to update you on recent developments since my deferral from your Early Action, ED 1 (choose) program. My enthusiasm to attend [University Name] remains unwavering.
[Elaborate on recent accomplishments, ongoing projects, awards, or significant developments since your initial application, ensuring relevance to your field of interest or university values.]
[Include a short paragraph about how you believe you will contribute to the campus community.]
Thank you for considering my continued interest and these additional details for my application to [University Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
CAID#
Conclusion
Remember, conveying your ongoing interest in the institution is vital while highlighting new achievements since your initial application. Such communication can positively impact the reconsideration of your application.