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What Does It Mean When A College Defers You

As more students apply to college during the early admissions cycle, you can expect to be deferred or waitlisted from at least one of the colleges you apply to.

The admissions committee is delaying their decision until they have examined you against regular admissions pool applicants. Being deferred from college doesn’t mean the school will not eventually accept you in the regular admissions round. The admissions committee may have additional questions about your candidacy or too many students of your profile type and want to make sure they have considered other candidates before returning to your file. This comparative evaluation allows them to make a more informed decision about your potential fit within the incoming class.

Importantly, being deferred does not equate to an outright rejection, and there are several reasons why colleges opt for this path, including:

  • Yield: Refers to the number of students who, if admitted, are likely to accept the offer of admission and actually enroll at the institution. Admissions committees aim to admit students who are genuinely interested in attending, as high yield rates are favorable for the college’s reputation. If they are unsure about your commitment, they might defer your application to gauge your level of interest.
  • Value: What unique qualities, experiences, or perspectives do you bring to the incoming class? Admissions committees seek to create a diverse and well-rounded student body. If they feel that they’ve already admitted a sufficient number of applicants with similar profiles to yours, they may defer your application to ensure a more balanced class composition.
  • GPA and other qualifications: Sometimes, colleges defer applicants because they may have questions or concerns about specific aspects of your application, such as your GPA or qualifications. They might want to see your senior year grades, additional standardized test scores, or any updates to your academic or extracurricular achievements. This extra information can help clarify their decision-making process.
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Despite the initial disappointment that comes with being deferred, it’s essential to remember that this isn’t the end of the road. Resist succumbing to negative thoughts. Consider it an opportunity to enhance your application and improve your chances in the regular admissions round. Use this extended time period to continue excelling academically, pursue meaningful extracurricular activities, and perhaps even submit supplementary materials that strengthen your candidacy.

Additionally, crafting a compelling Letter of Continued Interest (which we’ll discuss later) can address any concerns the admissions committee may have regarding yield and value, ultimately increasing your chances of securing admission when the final decisions are made in the spring or late summer. So, while the wait may feel like a period of uncertainty, it’s also a window of opportunity to bolster your application and position yourself for success.

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