Acceptances and deferrals are starting to roll in. I mentioned keeping your attitude positive in my last post, but I wanted to also give you some good advice on what to do if you get a deferral from one of your top schools. Many students in the early rounds are athletes, legacies or have other big "hooks" to help them get in (minorities and celebrities), so don't give up hope. They wouldn't have deferred you if you didn't have what it takes to get in!
Here are my top 4 Tips for Dealing with a Deferral:
1. Don't Give Up.
Getting deferred is not the same as getting rejected. It is not even the same as getting on the waiting list. Getting deferred means that either the college or university could only accept a certain number in the EA/ED round, and they needed to wait on accepting the rest until the regular round.
Most colleges can completely fill their freshman classes with the early apps, and they need to keep spaces open for students who don't get their apps in until January. If you hang in there and add to your file, up to 50% of deferred students can end up being accepted.
Getting deferred might also mean that the college wants to give you a chance to strengthen your application, bu adding additional qualifications, or getting better grades. So put your nose to the grindstone, and focus on grades, activities, and whatever you think you might be missing. (more one this in the next Tip)
Make sure that you write or call the admissions office and find out why you were deferred. It might be a missing item, or that there was a particular weakness that you might be able to address in some way.
2. Add to your File
Update your file with any new awards, scores, extra-curriculars or leadership activities that were left off the original application, or came up later. This is important because the colleges want to know that you are still actively interested in them. Remember... this process is like dating. The colleges want to know that you (really, really) want them before they commit. So let your chosen school know that you are committed, even as you apply elsewhere as a backup.
Is there someone who knows you well, who you could ask for a letter of support, or an additional recommendation? This should not be a family member, and should be someone who knows YOU, not just your parents. Quality, not quantity is important here, because the admissions office will not read multiple letters, just one (or maximum of two) additional ones.
If you skipped an optional essay question... now is the time to submit that, too. Be creative and find interesting and fun things to submit. But don't bother sending cookies, etc. The names are removed and they are enjoyed by the staff, but it won't help your file!
3. Set the Right Tone
Sinking into self-pity won't help, and neither will righteous indignation. When you are writing or calling the college, try to keep your tone polite and curious. You can definitely express your disappointment, but don't be whiny or entitled. How you handle disappointments will show the college whether or not you are mature enough to attend.
Similarly, how you talk about this with your friends and family is important, too. Stress the positive... "I have a chance to show them more about me" rather than the negative. You will get support and encouragement in return which is a lot more helpful than pity. If you can't bear to talk about it, come up with a flip answer to put people off (I am joining the circus instead of college) or find ways to deflect the conversation. But make sure you brainstorm with someone you trust.
4. Make sure your other Apps are Strong
As you are strengthening your deferred application, make sure you are doing the same with your other applications. If you didn't visit your safety school, go for a tour. Demonstrated interest is important for ALL of your schools, not just your top choices. You don't want to wait-listed by your safety, because you have essentially ignored them.
Additional information:
These sample letters come from About.com, and they are good examples of what you can sent to the colleges as you focus on bolstering your app.
If you have been deferred but have new information to present to the college, you'll want to write a letter presenting the updates. Below are a few samples letters:
- Sample Letter #1: Caitlin writes to the University of Georgia to explain a new award.
- Sample Letter #2: Laura writes to Johns Hopkins to present new test scores and a new leadership position on campus.
- Sample Letter #3: Brian writes to Syracuse University but would have done better not writing. See his letter to learn about mistakes to avoid.
Remember that the advice above is general and that every college and university has its own policies when it comes to sending in additional documents.
