Deferred, What Now?
College Deferral Advice From a College Counseling Expert
A Calm, Strategic Guide to College Deferrals, LOCIs, and College Admissions Decisions
Few moments in the college admissions process feel as emotionally confusing as a college deferral. It’s not the yes you hoped for, but it’s also not a no. And that distinction matters more than most families realize.
If you or your student has been deferred, the next steps you take (and just as importantly, the steps you don’t take) can meaningfully influence the final outcome. As a college consultant, I see deferrals turn into acceptances every year when students respond strategically. Here’s a clear, strategic roadmap to help you respond thoughtfully and professionally.
1. Pause and Reframe
First things first: a deferral is NOT a rejection. It means the admissions committee sees potential but wants more context. Often additional grades, a clearer sense of interest, or comparison with the regular decision pool.
Before taking action, pause.
Take 24–48 hours to process emotions
Avoid panic emails or rushed decisions
Remember: many students are admitted later from the deferred pool
A calm response sets the tone for everything that follows.
2. Read the Deferral Letter Carefully
Every college handles deferrals differently. Some welcome additional materials; others explicitly do not.
Carefully review the letter for:
Instructions on submitting additional information
Deadlines for updates
Restrictions on extra materials
If permitted, colleges may allow:
Mid-year or updated grades
A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
Portfolios or supplemental materials
Following directions precisely is critical—overstepping can hurt rather than help.
3. Confirm the College Is Still a Top Choice
Before investing additional effort, ask one honest question:
“If admitted, would I enroll?”
If the answer is no, it may be wiser to redirect energy elsewhere. A strong LOCI should only be sent to schools the student would genuinely attend. Admissions officers can sense a lukewarm interest.
4. Write a Strong Letter of Continued Interest
A strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is one of the most important tools in the college admissions process after a deferral.
When allowed, a LOCI is often the most powerful tool after a deferral.
An effective Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) should:
Briefly thank the admissions committee
Clearly reaffirm the school as a top choice (if true)
Share meaningful updates since the original application
Connect the student’s academic or career goals to specific programs, professors, or opportunities at the college
This is not a repeat of the personal statement. It’s a focused, professional update that adds new value.
5. Send Updated Academic Information
Strong senior-year performance is often the number one reason students are deferred.
Work with the school counselor to submit:
Mid-year grades
A brief counselor update if there’s been a notable improvement or change
Upward trends matter. Colleges want reassurance that students are finishing high school with momentum.
6. Strategically Demonstrate Continued Interest
Many colleges track engagement, but interest should be shown thoughtfully.
Appropriate ways to demonstrate interest include:
Opening and reading admissions emails
Attending virtual information sessions or webinars
Following admissions-related social media content
What to avoid:
Excessive emails
Unannounced campus visits
Attempts to “check in” without new information
Professional, measured engagement is key.
7. Strengthen the Rest of the College List
This is one of the most overlooked, but most important, steps.
Students should:
Submit strong Regular Decision applications
Add financial and academic safeties if needed
Avoid emotionally “waiting” on the deferred school
Momentum matters, and options create confidence.
8. Stay Focused Academically and Behaviorally
A reminder many students don’t realize:
Admissions offers, yes, even after deferral, can be rescinded.
Reasons include:
Significant drops in grades
Disciplinary issues
Senior year still counts. Every course, quarter, and decision matters.
9. Wait Professionally
Final decisions for deferred students are typically released with Regular Decision notifications.
At this stage:
Trust the process
Avoid speculation
Focus on finishing the year strong
Regardless of the outcome, students who respond maturely to a deferral are developing exactly the kind of resilience colleges value.
Final Thoughts on College Deferrals and College Admissions
A college deferral is not a dead end. It’s a request for more information, stronger academic evidence, and continued interest in the college admissions process. With the right strategy, many students turn deferrals into acceptances.
If you’d like guidance crafting a strong LOCI, managing a college deferral, or navigating next steps in the college admissions process, working with an experienced college counseling professional or college consultant can make a meaningful difference during this critical phase.
