In the Early Decision or Early Action admissions rounds, there are three main outcomes: admit, defer, or deny. If you are deferred, it means your application will be fully reconsidered in Regular Decision, but it does not guarantee admission. If you applied Early Decision and you are deferred, you are no longer bound to the ED agreement. For example, you could apply ED II elsewhere.
So, what can you do if you’re deferred?
Wesleyan University Office of Admissions
You should wait a few days, then reach out to the school. Many students’ first instinct when they find out they’ve been deferred is to immediately contact the admissions office. But you should take a moment, collect your thoughts, talk to your college counselor, and let your initial disappointment balance out with other emotions.
In the meantime, focus your energy on your Regular Decision and Early Decision II applications. Do not let feelings about your deferral negatively impact your other applications! You’ve worked hard to choose these schools and write their essays, so submit those applications, review their websites, prepare for interviews (if offered), and follow up with your recommenders to ensure your other materials arrive on time.
When you’re ready, send a well-composed email to the regional admissions officer at your Early school. If you can’t find their contact information online, call the school and ask. You could also set up a time to talk with the admissions counselor for your school or region (if the school offers the option), but more than anything you want a written record of your continued interest in the school. Your email should express your continued interest and include a few academic or extracurricular highlights from your senior year. If the school is still your first choice, let them know!
Follow up again in late February or early March. This is when many schools make their final admissions decisions for Regular Decision. Communicating with your assigned admissions counselor around this time will help keep your application (and your continued commitment to the school) top of mind as these decisions are being made.
Other than emailing the admissions office, there are 3 things you can do:
1. CONTINUE EXCELLING ACADEMICALLY
Ask your counselor to submit your latest quarter or semester grades. Sometimes students are deferred because of grade trends: maybe the admissions office wants to see an upward trend continue or a downward trend reverse.
2. ASK SOMEONE TO WRITE YOU AN ADDITIONAL LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Look for someone who would offer a different perspective than those already expressed in your application.
3. CONSIDER WHERE YOUR TEST SCORES FALL IN RELATION TO THE SCHOOL’S MIDDLE 50%
If you’re near the bottom or below the middle 50%, consider retaking the ACT or SAT if you can. Let the admissions office know your new scores are on their way.
Though the chances are often low, a deferral during Early Decision or Early Action may become an acceptance in Regular Decision. You can take these steps to give yourself the best possible chance of ultimately receiving a yes. And once you’ve taken these steps, focus on your other colleges and on having a great senior year!