Deferred — Now What?

Sep 21

Your student worked hard, submitted their application, and now the decision is in: Deferred.

For many families, this word can feel confusing—or even discouraging. But let’s pause. A deferral is not a denial. It simply means the admissions office isn’t ready to make a final decision yet. Your student’s file will be reconsidered alongside the regular decision pool.

So, why do schools defer?

Why Deferrals Happen

The Student Is Competitive, But Not an Admit Yet: Admissions officers see potential but want to compare your student against the larger applicant pool.
The School Suspects It’s Their Backup: Sometimes, especially with highly selective colleges, deferral is a signal that the admissions office isn’t sure your student would enroll. They may think your student is aiming higher, and they don’t want to “waste” an admit on someone unlikely to accept.
Institutional Priorities Are Still in Flux: Admissions offices are still shaping the class. They need to balance majors, geography, athletics, and other institutional needs before finalizing admits.

What Families Should Do Next

This is the moment when demonstrated interest really matters. A deferral is an invitation to show the school that you are serious. Here’s how:

Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): Write a thoughtful, concise update that reaffirms the student’s enthusiasm for the school and clarifies that it is still a top choice.
Update With Achievements: Share meaningful updates—new leadership roles, awards, grades, or projects since the application was submitted.
Maintain Academic Momentum: Strong mid-year grades matter. Many schools will specifically request them before revisiting a deferred application.
Be Realistic, But Engaged: Keep moving forward with other applications and options, but take the deferral seriously.

What Parents Can Keep in Mind

A deferral can sting, but it’s also a second chance. Your student is still in the running, and with the right follow-up, they can strengthen their case. At the same time, this is a chance to model resilience and perspective—two qualities that will serve them well beyond admissions.

Bottom Line

A deferral is not the end of the road. It’s a request for more information, more proof of interest, and more context. Use this period wisely, and remember: showing authentic commitment to a school can sometimes make the difference when final decisions are made.