Deferred in Early Action or Early Decision: Your Next Steps

If you applied Early Action or Early Decision, you probably pictured one of two inbox outcomes: an acceptance (cue confetti) or a rejection (cue ice cream and pajamas). And then there is the middle one. A deferral. 

A deferral basically means not yet. The college is pushing your application into the Regular Decision round to take another look when they see the full applicant pool. You are not admitted, but you are absolutely not out. You are in the waiting room. 

Take a breath. Really. 

Many seniors get deferred every year, including amazing students, class presidents, science Olympiad kids, theater leads, quiet thinkers, student researchers, and the kid who started a company with 100 employees in 8th grade. A deferral is not a statement that you are lacking. In most cases, colleges just need more time, more context, and your first-semester grades. 

Why Was I Deferred? 

There is rarely one single reason. Maybe the college wants to see how you finish the semester. Maybe they are filling institutional priorities. Maybe your school sends lots of applicants and they spread decisions across rounds. Maybe the applicant pool was unusually strong. 

What matters most: you are still in the game. 

Spend less time decoding the “why” and more time focusing on what you can control. 

What To Do Right After You’re Deferred 

Here is the part students often skip. There is no rush to send a heartfelt email the next day. In fact, waiting a bit usually leads to stronger outreach and better updates. 

Start here: 

Do 

• Read the deferral letter carefully. Some schools automatically move you to Regular Decision. Others ask you to click a form confirming you want to stay in the pool. Do not skip this step. 

• If the college offers an option to switch to Early Decision II, pause and talk with your family and counselor before deciding. 

Don’t 

• Email the admissions office immediately. Not the next day. Let the dust settle. Admissions teams are flooded during December and early January. Reach out when you have something meaningful to say. 

• Spiral. Obsess over Reddit threads. Compare yourself to classmates. You are not behind. 

While you wait, stay engaged with the rest of your list. You may already have acceptances that deserve celebration.

Late January: The Follow-Up Window 

This is when the work that actually helps begins. 

Step 1: Make sure your Mid-Year Report is sent 

Your counselor will handle submitting your updated transcript. If you have a class where you turned things around, mention it at the right time. 

Step 2: Send a short update email that’s thoughtful, not desperate 

Share what’s new since you applied. Not your whole life story. Highlights only. 

Good things to include: 

• Final or in-progress semester grades (especially if they are strong or improved) 

• Updated ACT or SAT results 

• A new achievement, leadership role, publication, competition result 

• A genuine expression of interest if the school remains a top choice 

Things to skip: 

• Extra essays they did not request 

• New recommendation letters unless the college specifically invites them 

A Sample Update Email 

(Modify so it sounds like you — conversational beats formal every time.) 

Hello Dean of Admissions (Include their name), 

My name is Jane Doe from Riverside High, and I wanted to follow up on my Early Action application. While I was disappointed to be deferred, I’m still very excited about the possibility of joining the freshman class. 

My counselor has submitted my Mid-Year Report. Here are a few updates since I first applied:

• I earned an A in AP Chemistry after raising my first-quarter B.
• My research project on microplastics was selected for the state science fair.
• I started mentoring middle school students through our STEM Club. 

If there is anything else you need from me, I would be happy to share it. This remains my top choice, and I hope to be considered during Regular Decision. 

Warmly, 
Jane Doe 
Application Number or DOB: 1/1/2008 

Short. Personal. Respectful. 

What Are My Real Chances Now? 

Students do get admitted after being deferred, and this is the case for thousands each year. You are now part of a larger pool, so the numbers are tighter than Early Decision, but effort matters. A well-timed update, solid grades, and continued involvement can make a real difference. 

What helps more than you think: 

• A strong academic finish 

• Staying active in your current commitments 

• Showing interest clearly and honestly 

• Keeping perspective (you applied to more than one place for a reason) 

 What hurts more than you think: 

• Spamming admissions inboxes 

• Sending extra materials they did not ask for 

• Dramatic emails like “What can I do to get in?” 

• Giving up entirely 

Read this clearly: One deferral does not define your senior year. 

Final Thoughts on Deferred in Early Action or Early Decision

A deferral is not a closed door. Think of it like the college saying, “We want to see a little more. Show us how you grow.” 

Keep doing the things that originally made you a strong applicant. Show progress. Celebrate the yeses already on your list. Your path didn’t disappear, it just changed timelines. 

FAQ's on Deferred in Early Action or Early Decision

Is a deferral the same as waitlist? 
No, a deferral happens before Regular Decision. A waitlist comes after decisions in the spring. 

Should I send my updated test scores? 
Yes, only if they improved. Otherwise, leave them out. 

Can I send another recommendation letter? 
Only if the college requests one. More is not automatically better. 

How much does demonstrated interest matter now? 
It varies. If the school tracks interest and it is your top choice, say so honestly in your update email.