Deferred…Now What?
Deferred…Now What?
It’s never easy receiving bad news. And when you’ve put in as much time and thought into your ED application as you undoubtedly did, receiving a deferral can sting. But don’t lose hope! There is still much of your process to be determined, and you may still have a great chance at being admitted to your top choice.
As you proceed, take the four reminders we’ve outlined below to heart. Hopefully they will help give you more perspective and a boost of encouragement to propel you to the finish line.
Remember Your End Goal, Not Your Current Reality
It’s hard not to get caught up in the moment, especially if others around you are experiencing different results. But try to see the big picture. You applied to a range of schools that suit your needs and your end goal is to have multiple options from which to choose.
Just because you had an early setback doesn’t make that any less possible. We have worked with many students who went on to gain admission at elite colleges even after being deferred or waitlisted. We have also worked with students who were rejected from their early decision school only to subsequently attend equally and, in some cases, more competitive colleges.
The college process is exactly that—a process. There may be uncomfortable moments along the way, but taking the long view will make it easier to stay focused on the success that is ahead of you.
Remember Why You Chose the Other Schools on Your List
It’s easy to get tunnel vision about your ED or EA schools. But remember why you added each of the others on your list and it will be easier to cope with less-than-ideal news.
Selecting colleges should be intentional—from your dream school to your safety. Each of the schools on your list should offer programs, classes, and opportunities that excite you and enhance your ambitions. If you’ve built your list in this way, you safeguard yourself against total disappointment.
The reality is there is more than one college that will benefit you. Much of what makes a school fit you well involves what you bring to the table: your interests, learning style, and drive. If your early choice doesn’t work out, remember that you have other colleges that will be glad to have you as a part of their student body and also offer the opportunities you seek to grow.
Remember What You’re Doing Still Matters
If you are deferred from your ED or EA school, you’re definitely not out of the game! Remember that your current grades and activities still matter and could directly influence the final decision.
Colleges want to see that you are continuing to apply yourself and taking advantage of the opportunities you have within your high school or community. Don’t allow disappointment to dissuade you from giving your maximum effort.
A well-crafted update letter about how you’ve continued to challenge yourself and cultivate your interests can be exactly what an admissions officer needs to encourage the committee to reevaluate your case. Take your time in drafting this and consider getting expert guidance so you can be a compelling self-advocate.
Remember That You Gave Your Best Effort
There are many elements of the college process that are beyond your control. You can put together a fantastic application and it still may not work out at every school you apply. As hard as it is to feel in the moment, know that it’s OK.
Give your best effort—not just in applying, but in pursuing your passions. That hard work will ultimately be recognized and rewarded. The truth is many admissions officers grow attached to students that they don’t have the ability to admit. It pains them as much to send you bad news as it does for you to receive it. But the work you do in and out of the classroom is seen and appreciated.
Focus on controlling what you can and then letting the rest go. It will help you move toward positivity after receiving bad news.
The expert admissions consultants at Wise World Prep have helped hundreds of students maximize their potential of being admitted to their top choice colleges and universities. Over 20 years, we have successfully guided students through each stage of the application process – from choosing competitive high school courses to building an appropriate college list to drafting winning essays to writing persuasive update and appeals letters. We would be happy to answer your questions and partner with you to create a successful admissions roadmap.
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