Strategies to Triumph Over College Deferrals

Deferral from your early college application doesn't signal the end but opens up new pathways. Our conversation reveals essential strategies to enhance your candidacy, maintain enthusiasm, and ensure your readiness for regular admissions.

• Understanding the emotional impact of deferral 
• Importance of reading deferral letters carefully 
• Maintaining strong academic performance 
• Writing an effective letter of continued interest 
• Submitting strategic updates to strengthen your application 
• How different colleges approach deferrals 
• Refining your list of colleges and applications 
• The significance of resilience and proactive planning

Transcript

Speaker 1: 1:07

Welcome back to the East Coast College Admissions Podcast. I'm your host, will Patra, and as always, I'm here to guide you through the twists and turns of the college admissions journey. Today we are tackling a topic that can feel like an emotional roller coaster for students being deferred after applying early decision or early action. While it's not the outcome most students go for, deferral doesn't mean the end of your journey. It's actually an opportunity to refine your application and demonstrate your continued interest. In this episode, we'll break down exactly what deferral means, the steps you can take to boost your chances of being admitted and specific strategies for navigating deferrals at East Coast Colleges. So let's get started. First, let's talk about what deferral actually means. When a college defers your application, they are essentially saying we like you, but we are not ready to make a final decision yet. Your application is then moved into the regular decision pool, where it will be reviewed again alongside all other regular decision applicants. Deferral happens for a variety of reasons. Maybe the admissions committee needs more time to evaluate your application in the context of the entire pool, or perhaps they want to see how your academic performance continues in your senior year. It's important to remember being deferred is not a rejection. You are still in the running and there are concrete steps you can take to make your case even stronger. Now that we understand what deferral means, let's talk about what you should do right away. First, give yourself a moment to feel your emotions Whether it's disappointment, frustration or confusion, it's okay to feel that way. But once you've processed those emotions, it's time to refocus. Step two read the letter carefully. Many schools include specific instructions for the first student. Some may invite or encourage additional materials, whilst others may specifically say not to send anything extra. Following these instructions is critical. Step three keep up with your academic performance. One of the most important things colleges want to see is that you are maintaining strong grades and continuing to challenge yourself. Senior year matters, so don't let seniorities creep in.

Speaker 1: 3:34

After you've taken those initial steps, here's how you can strengthen your application and show the admissions office why you're a great fit for them. One way to do it is to write a letter of continued interest. A letter of continued interest is your chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the school and update them on any significant achievements since you submitted your application to them. Here's what you can include Express gratitude for being considered and restate your interest in the school, highlight any new accomplishments, such as improved grades, awards or extracurricular activities. You can also explain why the school remains your top choice, focusing on specific programs, values or opportunities that resonate with you. Another way to do this is to submit updates strategically, if the college allows additional materials. Consider submitting an updated transcript if your grades have improved, or a new recommendation letter, especially from a teacher or mentor who can speak to your recent growth. Another way to do that is to include additional projects, portfolios or essays if relevant to your application. Last but not the least point on this is to demonstrate your fit. East Coast schools in particular value demonstrated interest. While this doesn't always mean visiting campuses, you can attend a virtual info session or webinar. You can reach out to admissions representatives with thoughtful questions, or you can mention specific programs, professors or initiatives that align with your goals in your letter of continued interest.

Speaker 1: 5:14

Now let's take a look at how East Coast colleges handle deferrals and what that means for you. For examples, colleges like Boston University and Georgetown often emphasize academic performance in their deferral policies. If you are deferred, they'll want to see continued excellence in your coursework. Meanwhile, smaller liberal arts colleges such as Bauderin or Amherst might appreciate a personal touch. Writing a letter of continued interest that highlights your fit with their close-knit community can make a difference. Finally, colleges like the University of Virginia or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which receive thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of applications, value clarity and concise updates. Stick to the guidelines they provide and avoid overloading them with unnecessary materials. So while you are working on strengthening your application to the college that deferred you, it's equally important to focus on other applications.

Speaker 1: 6:13

You have to refine your college list. Make sure you have a balanced list of rich, target and safety schools. Submit strong applications and I can't emphasize this enough. Use what you've learned from the early decision process to fine-tune your essays and materials for other schools. You have to stay organized. Keep track of deadlines and requirements for all regular decisions on your list.

Speaker 1: 6:39

Deferral is a reminder to keep your options open. Even if you are ultimately accepted by your first choice college, it's smart to have a solid plan B. Tackling a deferral is all about staying proactive, focused and resilient. Remember, deferral is not the end of your story. It's one chapter in your journey to college by writing a compelling letter of continued interest, submitting strategic updates and staying on top of your regular decision applications. You are positioning yourself for success and, who knows, this process might lead you to an outcome that's even better than what you imagined. As always, if you need guidance or support, visit us at wwweastcoastadmissionscom or email us at admissions at eastcoastadmissionscom. We are here to help. That's all for today's episode of the East Coast College Admissions Podcast. Thank you for tuning in, and if you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with someone who might benefit. Until next time, I'm Cleopatra, wishing you clarity and confidence on your college admissions journey. Take care.