Deferred in your Early Round application? Here's what to do

For UK students applying to US universities, receiving a deferral in the early round of applications can feel like a setback. But don’t lose heart! A deferral doesn’t mean rejection—it means the admissions committee is giving your application further consideration in the regular decision pool.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the deferral process and boost your chances of admission.

1. Understand what a deferral means

A deferral indicates that the admissions office has reviewed your application and decided to evaluate it again alongside Regular Decision (RD) candidates. While it’s not the early decision acceptance you were hoping for, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your application.

There are several (but not exhaustive) reasons why you may be deferred:

• High competition: The early application pool often includes very strong candidates, and universities may want to compare your application to those in the regular round before making a decision.
• Incomplete picture: Admissions officers may feel they need more information about your academic or extracurricular performance, such as mid-year grades or additional test scores.
• Demonstrated interest: They might want to gauge how committed you are to attending their institution. This is particularly relevant if the school considers demonstrated interest in their admissions process.
• Institutional priorities: Universities have specific goals for building a diverse and well-rounded class. Your application might align better with their needs during the regular decision round.
• Room for growth: Sometimes, admissions committees see potential in a candidate but want to see evidence of continued effort or recent achievements before making a final decision.

Understanding these reasons can help you approach the next steps strategically and optimistically.

2. Move on 

Although you still have a chance of admission and can boost your chance of getting accepted (read on to find out), it is important not to pin all your hopes on this school. Keep working on other applications and perfecting them.

Take a moment to review your application objectively. Are there any areas where you can provide updates or improvements? Admissions officers are looking for growth, commitment, and continued interest in their institution. 

It’s also important to read the deferral letter carefully, and follow the instructions if the admission officers have asked you to provide additional information. If it has been clearly stated that you should not submit additional application materials, then do not send in anything else as it might negatively affected your chance of admissions in the Regular Decision round.

At A-List, our advisors can help review your application and identify key areas that need corrections, whether that is improving the way you tell your stories, prioritising your achievements, or omitting certain activities. 

3. Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

If you are still interested in pursuing a place, you can write a letter to admissions. A well-crafted LOCI can make a big difference. The purpose of this letter is to state your commitment to the school (this is especially true of ED!).

Here’s what to include:

• Reaffirm your interest: Explain why the university remains your top choice. If you, no doubt, would immediately accept this school above all other offers, make sure they know that. You can also add any other new information you have learned about the school that attracts you (though you will likely have covered much of this in your application).
• Update on achievements: Update them on anything of particular interest you have done between applying and now. Highlight any significant accomplishments, such as improved grades, new awards, or leadership roles.  
• Be concise and authentic: Keep your letter focused and genuine. No matter how disappointed you might feel, it’s important to appear upbeat and positive.

This letter should not be long. We are happy to review letters and offer advice as long as it comes in before the 15th of December. 

4. Enhance your application

If possible, provide supplemental materials to strengthen your profile:

• Improved academic performance: If you’ve achieved higher grades or additional qualifications, such as stellar A-level predictions, include these updates.
• Additional recommendations: A new letter from a teacher (especially a senior year teacher), mentor, or extracurricular advisor can provide fresh perspectives on your strengths.
• Portfolio updates: For students in the arts or other creative fields, consider submitting new work if allowed.

Be aware not to overwhelm the admissions officer with too much additional information and achievements, since you had just applied over a month ago. 

5. Maintain high standards

Deferrals are not an excuse to let your efforts slip. Universities will re-evaluate your academic performance and extracurricular involvement, so continue to excel in your current commitments.

6. Research other options

While waiting for the final decision, broaden your horizons. Explore other universities that might be a good fit for you and continue with your Regular Decision application. Applying to a mix of reach, match, and safety schools ensures you have solid options regardless of the outcome.

7. Stay positive and patient

A deferral can feel discouraging, but many students who are ultimately admitted were initially deferred. Focus on what you can control and avoid overanalysing the situation.

Final thoughts

Giving up on your top choice college is the last thing you want to do now - being deferred is not the end of your US university journey. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your resilience, commitment, and growth. Use this time wisely to refine your application, express your enthusiasm for the university, and explore additional options. It's not a "no", but rather a "not yet"!

With a carefully planned strategy and selective additional materials, you can significantly increase your chance of acceptance into the school you applied early in the Regular Decision round. 

Get your complimentary 15-minute Discovery Session or reach out to our Client Services team at info@alisteducation.co.uk to find out how A-List can help you turn a deferral into an acceptance.