Q: I was deferred from my early action school. What should I do now?
A: For many students, deferral seems like being in limbo – “do they want me or not?” Deferrals, however, can provide a second chance for those who understand the process.
When a college informs you that your application has been deferred, they are often saying, in effect, that they’d like more information before they make a final decision. This presents you with an opportunity to give them more reasons to accept you. The first and most important reason would be improved grades in challenging courses. Be sure that your senior year grades reflect your hard work, and ask your school counselor to send updated marking period grades to them as soon as they are ready. Secondly, ask another teacher to write a letter on your behalf if this teacher can comment positively on your continued growth and achievement. Also, confer with your educational consultant about the advisability of calling the admission office to determine their concerns so that you can address these issues directly.
Next, send updates of significant new achievements that occur during your senior year: perhaps a copy of an article you wrote for your local newspaper or honor or award you received.
Finally, review the list of colleges to which you applied. Check to be sure that your list is realistic and that you’ll have choices in the spring… and remember that for every student, there are many schools that offer a perfect fit.