Strategies to Triumph Over College Deferrals

Deferral from your early college application doesn't signal the end but opens up new pathways. Our conversation reveals essential strategies to enhance your candidacy, maintain enthusiasm, and ensure your readiness for regular admissions.

• Understanding the emotional impact of deferral 
• Importance of reading deferral letters carefully 
• Maintaining strong academic performance 
• Writing an effective letter of continued interest 
• Submitting strategic updates to strengthen your application 
• How different colleges approach deferrals 
• Refining your list of colleges and applications 
• The significance of resilience and proactive planning

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:11):
Welcome back to the East Coast College Admissions
Podcast.
I'm your host, will Patra, andas always, I'm here to guide you
through the twists and turns ofthe college admissions journey.
Today we are tackling a topicthat can feel like an emotional
roller coaster for studentsbeing deferred after applying
early decision or early action.
While it's not the outcome moststudents go for, deferral

(00:32):
doesn't mean the end of yourjourney.
It's actually an opportunity torefine your application and
demonstrate your continuedinterest.
In this episode, we'll breakdown exactly what deferral means
, the steps you can take toboost your chances of being
admitted and specific strategiesfor navigating deferrals at
East Coast Colleges.
So let's get started.

(00:53):
First, let's talk about whatdeferral actually means.
When a college defers yourapplication, they are
essentially saying we like you,but we are not ready to make a
final decision yet.
Your application is then movedinto the regular decision pool,

(01:13):
where it will be reviewed againalongside all other regular
decision applicants.
Deferral happens for a varietyof reasons.
Maybe the admissions committeeneeds more time to evaluate your
application in the context ofthe entire pool, or perhaps they
want to see how your academicperformance continues in your
senior year.

(01:34):
It's important to rememberbeing deferred is not a
rejection.
You are still in the runningand there are concrete steps you
can take to make your case evenstronger.
Now that we understand whatdeferral means, let's talk about
what you should do right away.
First, give yourself a momentto feel your emotions Whether

(01:55):
it's disappointment, frustrationor confusion, it's okay to feel
that way.
But once you've processed thoseemotions, it's time to refocus.
Step two read the lettercarefully.
Many schools include specificinstructions for the first
student.
Some may invite or encourageadditional materials, whilst

(02:16):
others may specifically say notto send anything extra.
Following these instructions iscritical.
Step three keep up with youracademic performance.
One of the most importantthings colleges want to see is
that you are maintaining stronggrades and continuing to
challenge yourself.
Senior year matters, so don'tlet seniorities creep in.

(02:38):
After you've taken those initialsteps, here's how you can
strengthen your application andshow the admissions office why
you're a great fit for them.
One way to do it is to write aletter of continued interest.
A letter of continued interestis your chance to reiterate your
enthusiasm for the school andupdate them on any significant

(02:59):
achievements since you submittedyour application to them.
Here's what you can includeExpress gratitude for being
considered and restate yourinterest in the school,
highlight any newaccomplishments, such as
improved grades, awards orextracurricular activities.
You can also explain why theschool remains your top choice,
focusing on specific programs,values or opportunities that

(03:22):
resonate with you.
Another way to do this is tosubmit updates strategically, if
the college allows additionalmaterials.
Consider submitting an updatedtranscript if your grades have
improved, or a newrecommendation letter,
especially from a teacher ormentor who can speak to your
recent growth.
Another way to do that is toinclude additional projects,

(03:45):
portfolios or essays if relevantto your application.
Last but not the least point onthis is to demonstrate your fit
.
East Coast schools inparticular value demonstrated
interest.
While this doesn't always meanvisiting campuses, you can
attend a virtual info session orwebinar.
You can reach out to admissionsrepresentatives with thoughtful

(04:07):
questions, or you can mentionspecific programs, professors or
initiatives that align withyour goals in your letter of
continued interest.
Now let's take a look at howEast Coast colleges handle
deferrals and what that meansfor you.
For examples, colleges likeBoston University and Georgetown
often emphasize academicperformance in their deferral

(04:29):
policies.
If you are deferred, they'llwant to see continued excellence
in your coursework.
Meanwhile, smaller liberal artscolleges such as Bauderin or
Amherst might appreciate apersonal touch.
Writing a letter of continuedinterest that highlights your
fit with their close-knitcommunity can make a difference.
Finally, colleges like theUniversity of Virginia or the

(04:52):
University of North Carolina atChapel Hill, which receive
thousands, if not hundreds ofthousands, of applications,
value clarity and conciseupdates.
Stick to the guidelines theyprovide and avoid overloading
them with unnecessary materials.
So while you are working onstrengthening your application
to the college that deferred you, it's equally important to

(05:15):
focus on other applications.
You have to refine your collegelist.
Make sure you have a balancedlist of rich, target and safety
schools.
Submit strong applications andI can't emphasize this enough.
Use what you've learned fromthe early decision process to
fine-tune your essays andmaterials for other schools.
You have to stay organized.

(05:36):
Keep track of deadlines andrequirements for all regular
decisions on your list.
Deferral is a reminder to keepyour options open.
Even if you are ultimatelyaccepted by your first choice
college, it's smart to have asolid plan B.
Tackling a deferral is allabout staying proactive, focused
and resilient.
Remember, deferral is not theend of your story.

(05:59):
It's one chapter in yourjourney to college by writing a
compelling letter of continuedinterest, submitting strategic
updates and staying on top ofyour regular decision
applications.
You are positioning yourselffor success and, who knows, this
process might lead you to anoutcome that's even better than
what you imagined.
As always, if you need guidanceor support, visit us at

(06:23):
wwweastcoastadmissionscom oremail us at admissions at
eastcoastadmissionscom.
We are here to help.
That's all for today's episodeof the East Coast College
Admissions Podcast.
Thank you for tuning in, and ifyou found this episode helpful,

(06:44):
please subscribe, leave areview and share it with someone
who might benefit.
Until next time, I'm Cleopatra,wishing you clarity and
confidence on your collegeadmissions journey.
Take care.