What to Do if Deferred to a Top School

As you click open the online portal, your pulse quickens with excitement and nerves. You've poured your blood, sweat, and tears into this application, desperate to land a spot at the school of your dreams. But as you scan the page, your heart sinks as you see the dreaded words "you have been deferred."

Deferment from a top school can be a crushing blow, leaving you feeling dejected and unsure of what to do next. But don't lose hope just yet! While it may not be an easy road, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of being accepted and finally achieving your goal of attending your dream school.

Here are some steps you can take to improve your chances of gaining acceptance after a deferral.

Submit additional, relevant information to be added to your admission file.

This might include extra test scores, transcripts, or letters of recommendation. Don't delay in getting this information to the committee – the faster you can provide it, the better. Often, students are deferred due to incomplete or unclear information in their application. By submitting supplementary materials, you can help the committee make a more informed decision and potentially give your application the extra boost it needs to earn an acceptance. So don't hesitate – gather up those extra documents and send them in as soon as possible.

Write a letter of continued interest. 

The goal of the letter of continued interest is to express your ongoing enthusiasm for attending the school and explain how you would contribute to their community.

This letter should be sent directly to the admissions office, as it will be added to your file when the committee reviews deferred candidates. Be sure to highlight any new achievements, awards, or experiences you've had since you submitted your initial application. These could include awards or extracurricular activities related to your potential field of study, or a detailed description of how the university would allow you to pursue your passions and interests.

To make your letter even more compelling, consider researching the school and identifying specific professors or programs that you hope to be a part of. By showing a deep understanding of the school's offerings and demonstrating your enthusiasm for their academic opportunities, you can increase your chances of an acceptance following your initial deferral.

Consider visiting the campus or showing demonstrated interest.

It's worth going the extra mile to show your interest and enthusiasm. One way to do this is to visit the campus, either in person or virtually, and meet with admissions representatives or current students. This will give you a firsthand look at what the university is like and may also make a positive impression on the admissions committee.

Don't miss the opportunity to attend virtual events and tours, as well. These can be a great way to learn more about the school and its offerings, and to get a sense of what it would be like to be a student there. Schools often track when applicants visit their campus, and demonstrating your interest in attending can be a key factor in the admissions process, especially if your application was initially deferred. So if you have the chance, make the most of it and visit your dream school!

Keep your options open. 

As you wait for a decision from your dream school, it's important to stay hopeful and take steps to improve your chances of acceptance. But it's also a good idea to have a backup plan in case things don't go as expected. Consider researching and applying to other colleges and universities as alternative options. This will give you some security and peace of mind, knowing that you have a plan in place in case you are not admitted to your first choice.

It's natural to feel frustrated and disappointed if you are deferred from your dream school, but it's important to remember that it's not the end of the world. By following the tips above and staying focused on your goals, you can increase your chances of getting off the waitlist and into the university of your dreams. Good luck!

Our recommendation after being deferred is to book a consultation with Ivy Brothers, who use a proprietary strategy known to us as the post-application boost process.