Did Your Student Get Deferred?

  Students who applied with early or priority applications will soon start receiving their letters from the colleges letting them know whether they have been accepted, rejected, or deferred.  If your student gets an acceptance letter, CELEBRATE!!!  If he or she gets rejected, it is time to reassess their college list and get some additional applications in the works.  But what happens when a student gets deferred?  And what does that mean?   Being deferred means that your student’s application was not as strong as others who applied early, but the college does want more time to consider them, which means your student’s application will be reassessed with the rest of the students applying regular decision.  It is not a denial, but it isn’t an acceptance either, yet.   So what should your student do if they got deferred?  CAA Coaches recommend closely reading your notification letter.  This letter should give you some insight into why the college made this decision.  Sometimes the reason is as simple as the fact that test scores arrived too late or they want to see your mid-year grades before making a final decision.  Sometimes they just say the competition was fierce this year.  If they are missing something, or want something, make sure to send it!   What else can you do?  Have your student talk with their high school guidance counselor to see if he or she will put in a good word with the college.  If you have not visited the college, you might want to do that as well and have your student make their case in person.  If you can’t get to the college for a visit, have your student write a one page letter letting them know specifically why this college is their first choice and what they would be able to contribute to the freshman class.   CAA also recommends that you let the college know about any awards or achievements received after the application was sent.  And finally, you might want to review any remaining applications not yet submitted to make sure they include all of the information that makes your student stand out.   As a parent it may be hard to see your child experience disappointment, but try to keep them focused on their long term goal of getting a degree.  As your student navigates this often stressful process, keep in mind that the vast majority of students are happy with their final selection, even if they don’t get accepted by their dream school.  Getting deferred is not the end of the world, it is a second chance.