Turning "Deferral" Into "Acceptance" - Part II of II

In last week’s post, I explained what deferrals are and why they seem to be increasing. If you’re the parent of a student in the Class of 2026 or later, I recommend reading it. The trends I describe there don’t appear to be abating. In this post, I’ll offer three generalized tips for students who have received a deferral.

Before doing so, however, one important caveat. One size does not fit all. Specific recommendations require a private consultation. (If you’re interested in such a consultation, please feel free to email me here.)

Turning Deferral Into Acceptance, Tip #1: Keep Those AP/IB Grades Up

Grades in college prep courses are now the single most important criteria for admissions. So, maintaining or boosting your GPA is crucial if you want to be admitted in March. I know you’ve worked so hard to get to this point. Receiving that deferral was crushing. Unfortunately, though, a “senior slump” would undercut your ability to prove that you belong at your dream school.

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Turning Deferral Into Acceptance, Tip #2: Double Down on Your Brand

Hopefully, you crafted your application around a focus, something I discuss here. Let’s say you’re applying as a double major in International Politics and Econ but also interested in French, like the candidate from Part I who received a deferral from Dartmouth. Consider researching an economic topic of great interest in French politics right now. For instance, the fall of the French government late last year. Use reputable, if not academic, sources.
Then submit an op-ed to your local newspaper, noting that you are a high school student. When it gets published, send that awesome news in your letter of continued interest (see Tip #3). (If your newspaper chooses not to publish your piece, consider self-publishing it on Medium.com or LinkedIn, where you should also have a profile. Check out my YouTube channel later this week (after 2/1/25) for more on creating a LinkedIn profile for college admissions.)

The key is to show to admissions officers that you’re still ballin’ and haven’t let the deferral slow you down.(If this sounds a little like making your ex jealous, it’s not the first time that college admissions has been compared to dating!) If you’re not a politics junkie, then brainstorm other ways to make an impact in your community while staying true to the “brand” you presented in your application. (If you need help with that brainstorming process, feel free to send me a note.)

Turning Deferral Into Acceptance, Tip #3: Send A Letter of Continued Interest Unless Instructed Otherwise

Sometimes, colleges request in their deferral letter that you not send a letter of continued interest (LOCI). If that’s the case, don’t. But if they request one – or even if they don’t mention it and you’re still interested in attending – you absolutely should send a letter of continued interest.

Just as there are lots of ways to accomplish Tip #2, there’s no one-size-fits-all LOCI. However, here’s a general rule of thumb for what an effective LOCI should express:

• Gratitude for the opportunity to provide additional information to your application and to the admissions officer for considering it

• Updates and new information (don’t rehash the information they already have): this is the place to describe what you did in Tip #2 (and #1, if your GPA went up), as well as list any new honors or awards

• Why you still would love to attend and would be an asset (if you’ve visited the campus since applying, include anecdotes from that visit here)

• More gratitude before closing

Click here to read the actual LOCI written by the student deferred from Dartmouth.

Image by Courtney Hedger on Unsplash

Turning Deferral Into Acceptance, Bonus Tip: Try To Stay Positive

I know that this period of purgatory is painful. The deferral from your dream school can seem like a personal affront. But by continuing to do things you love (see Tip #2!) and surrounding yourself with positive people, you will get through these next months. With the right focus and effort, you just might be one of those 15% to 20% of students who turn deferrals into acceptances each spring. But even if you’re not, remember that there’s more than one good fit school for every student. You will go to college. And with the right mindset, you can have an amazing experience anywhere!