Deferrals are one of the hardest outcomes for students to process. They feel personal, even when they are not. I have found that the first thing students need is not strategy. It is perspective.
At the College Board Forum this year, admissions leaders talked openly about how record application volumes have changed early rounds. With so many more students applying Early Action and Early Decision, colleges simply cannot admit every strong applicant right away. Deferrals have become a common part of how schools manage volume and keep flexibility as they move into Regular Decision.
That context matters. A deferral is not a sign that a student is not admissible. I often tell students this very directly: if a college truly did not see a path forward, the application would have been denied. The fact that a student was not denied is a win. It means the college still wants to look again once they have more information and a larger pool to compare against.
Of course, every college handles deferrals differently, which is where counselors can really help. The first step is always the same. Read the decision letter carefully. Check the portal. Look at the admissions website. Some colleges invite a letter of continued interest or an update form. Others only want midyear grades. Some are very clear that they do not want anything additional. Following the college’s instructions matters more than doing more.
When continued interest is appropriate, I encourage students to keep it simple. One short, thoughtful message that confirms the college is still a top choice and shares one or two meaningful updates is usually enough. This is especially important at high-volume schools, where continued interest can help signal likelihood to enroll. That said, repeated emails, emotional appeals, or submitting materials that were not requested rarely help.
I also remind students not to put their entire plan on hold. A deferral is one possibility, not the plan. Regular Decision lists still matter, and students deserve strong options they would be happy to attend in the spring.
And finally, I think it is important to say this out loud: it is okay not to pursue a deferral. If a student has taken time to reflect and knows that a college is no longer a true target because of cost, fit, or changing priorities, it is reasonable to let it go and focus energy elsewhere. That is not giving up. That is making a thoughtful decision with better information.
To make this easier for counselors to share, I put together a free Deferred Student Checklist that you can email to students or post on your counseling page. It walks students through what to check, what to submit if invited, and how to keep moving forward without spiraling.
Counselor talking point I use often:
“Being deferred means you are still in the conversation. That matters. What we do next depends on the college and on whether this school is still a real fit for you.”
If the resource helps, please feel free to use it or share it. Everything on the blog is free and designed by a counselor for other counselors.
Deferred Student Checklist
A simple guide for what to do next
First, Take a Breath
▢ Read the decision letter carefully
▢ Remember that a deferral is not a denial
▢ Give yourself a day before taking action
Check the College’s Instructions
▢ Log into your admissions portal
▢ Read any deferral-specific instructions
▢ Check the admissions website
▢ Follow only what the college asks for
Every college handles deferrals differently.
If the College Invites an Update or Letter
▢ Confirm the college is still a top choice
▢ Share one or two meaningful updates if you have them
▢ Keep it short and sincere
▢ Submit only what is requested
Do not send extra materials unless the college asks.
Stay Focused Academically
▢ Finish the semester strong
▢ Prepare for midyear grades
▢ Continue your current activities
Keep Your Regular Decision Plan Moving
▢ Finalize your Regular Decision list
▢ Make sure it is balanced and realistic
▢ Do not assume the deferral will turn into an offer
It Is Okay to Let It Go
▢ If this college is no longer a real option for you, that is okay
▢ Focus your time and energy on schools that fit you better
If You Are Unsure
▢ Write down questions
▢ Bring them to your counselor
▢ Avoid panic emails to admissions offices
Remember:
Being deferred means your application is still under consideration. That matters. What happens next depends on the college and on whether this school is still a good fit for you.