You’ve Been Deferred… Now What?
Opening a college decision letter and seeing the word “Deferred” can feel confusing, disappointing, and even discouraging. It’s not the “yes” you hoped for—but it’s also not a no. And what you do next can matter more than you realize.
If your student has been deferred, take a breath. This moment is part of the admissions journey for many strong applicants. Let’s talk through what a deferral really means—and, more importantly, what to do next.
First: What Does a Deferral Actually Mean?
A deferral means the college is not ready to make a final decision yet. Your application is still under consideration and will be reviewed again during the regular decision pool.
In short:
The college sees potential
They want more context or comparison
They are holding your application for a second look
This often happens at selective schools where early applicant pools are especially competitive.
What a Deferral Is Not
Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions:
❌ It is not a rejection
❌ It does not mean your application was weak
❌ It does not mean you did something wrong
In fact, many deferred students go on to be admitted in the regular decision round.
Step 1: Feel the Feelings (Then Move Forward)
Disappointment is valid. This was likely a school your student felt strongly about. Allow space to process the emotion—but don’t let it stall momentum.
College admissions is a long game. A deferral is simply a pause, not an ending.
Step 2: Check the College’s Deferral Policy
Each college handles deferrals differently. Some schools:
Encourage a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
Allow updated grades or achievements
Ask students to take no action at all
Before doing anything, carefully read the deferral notice and check the admissions website. Following directions matters.
Step 3: Decide Whether to Send a Letter of Continued Interest
If the school allows or encourages it, a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) can be a powerful tool when done well.
A strong LOCI should:
Reaffirm genuine interest in the school
Share meaningful updates (grades, leadership, achievements)
Express fit—why the school is still a top choice
Be concise, professional, and sincere
This is not the time to restate your entire application or plead for admission. Think: calm confidence, not desperation.
Step 4: Keep Your Academic Foot on the Gas
Colleges will see senior-year grades. Strong, consistent academic performance after a deferral sends a clear message:
This student didn’t coast.
Avoid the common mistake of easing up after early decisions. Now is the time to show follow-through.
Step 5: Strengthen Plan B (and C)
One of the most important things families can do after a deferral is continue building a balanced college list.
That means:
Submitting strong regular decision applications
Prioritizing schools where your student is likely to thrive
Letting go of the idea that there’s only “one right school”
A deferral is much easier to navigate when students are excited about multiple possibilities.
Step 6: Remember—Admissions Is Not a Judgment of Worth
College decisions reflect institutional priorities, enrollment goals, and timing—not a student’s value, intelligence, or future success.
Some of the most successful college students—and adults—were deferred, denied, or waitlisted from schools they once believed were “the dream.”
Dreams evolve. And often, they improve.
How Jade College Planning Supports Deferred Students
At Jade College Planning, we help families:
Interpret deferral decisions calmly and strategically
Decide whether a LOCI is appropriate—and craft it effectively
Reassess college lists and regular decision strategies
Stay grounded, focused, and confident through the process
Deferral moments are not setbacks—they’re decision points. And with the right guidance, they can lead to outcomes that fit even better than the original plan.
Final Thought
If you’ve been deferred, you’re still in the race. Stay engaged. Stay thoughtful. Stay open.
College admissions isn’t about chasing a single outcome—it’s about finding the place where your student can grow, belong, and thrive.
And that story is still unfolding. 🌱
