As the seasons change, temperatures drop, and students around the country dread another year of finals, our seniors eagerly await yet another momentous occasion-decision release. While receiving an acceptance or a denial are the most straightforward options, every now and again students may have their applications deferred. Which begs the question, what exactly is a deferral? Is a “defer” just a “deny” in disguise? Is it simply another way for colleges to let students down easy?
What is a deferral?
When a university defers a student, they are at the core neither admitting nor denying them. Traditionally, deferring a student means that their application will be moved into the regular decision pool. This means that the colleges want another opportunity to look at their application, but this time in the context of a bigger pool of students. Once this final application review is finished, students will receive either an admit, deny, or waitlist decision.
What does it mean if a student is deferred?
First, let’s be clear; a deferral is NOT a denial of admission. It does not mean that the student is not qualified, or that the university is worried about their presence on campus. A deferral simply means that the college wants more information about the student in the larger context of the regular decision pool. With so many institutional needs and priorities that colleges consider when shaping an incoming class, this additional process can be quite helpful in the work they do.
How should the student deal with a deferral?
Well first, let’s try our best not to panic. While receiving a deferral can definitely be a disappointing experience, it doesn’t mean that you won’t ultimately be admitted or that you won’t also have plenty of other wonderful opportunities. The unfortunate truth is that colleges have a very difficult and time-consuming job to do, and this is a part of the process. While adding additional wait time to your calendar can be tough, it’s best to try and focus on other things! *Hint Hint* Like completing other applications, diving into your hobbies, and making great memories with your family & friends?
How else can a student proceed after receiving a deferral?
Some universities do allow the uploading of “letters of continued interest” to a student’s application to show that they are still very interested in attending the college (also the case for a student who’s waitlisted). If said university allows LOCIs, then by all means students should send one! HOWEVER, if a college does not ask for or allow LOCIs, make sure you abide by their instructions on your deferral letter. Remember, it’s always better to respect their wishes.
So remember, (say it with us now) a deferral is NOT a deny! You’ve put in so much work inside and outside of the classroom to put yourself in a position to be admitted to the universities you’ve applied to, so trust the process moving forward. If you have any questions or want to strategize on a course of action, please reach out to your Galin college counselor! We are here to help!
