When you open that long-awaited email from your Early Decision (ED) school and see the word “Deferred,” your heart may sink a little. I’ve sat across from students in that exact moment, watching their faces go from hopeful to confused. Being deferred isn’t a rejection, but it can feel just as uncertain. I want you to know: you still have power in this process, and you’re far from out of the game.
Let’s talk about what it means to be deferred in Early Decision and, more importantly, what you can do next to keep your college dreams alive and thriving.
Deferred in Early Decision? Next Steps to Take
When a college defers your ED application, they’re saying, “We’re not ready to give you a decision yet.” Instead of admitting or rejecting you, they move your application into the regular decision pool. It’s a pause, not a no. And there are absolutely ways to strengthen your case between now and the final decision.
I remember working with Maya, a first-generation student who was deferred from her top-choice liberal arts college. Her first instinct was to give up, assuming she’d been silently rejected. But with a plan, persistence, and a well-written Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI), she was accepted in the spring. That’s the kind of outcome I want you to aim for, too.
Understand Why You Were Deferred
Colleges often defer students who are strong but not quite at the top of the ED applicant pool. Maybe they want to see your mid-year grades, or they’re waiting to compare you against the regular applicant pool. Understanding that it’s not always about something you did wrong can ease the emotional burden.
Check if your college offers insight into why students are deferred. Some schools publish this on their admissions FAQ pages, like Yale or Princeton. Most won’t give specific feedback, but you can still reflect on your application’s strengths and where you might add updates.
What to Do Immediately After Being Deferred
- Read the deferral letter carefully: Some schools outline next steps or discourage additional materials. Follow their instructions to the letter.
- Talk to your school counselor: They may be able to contact the admissions office or write a follow-up recommendation.
- Update your calendar: You’ll now be considered in the regular decision timeline, so mark down any new deadlines.
Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
This is one of the most powerful tools you have after a deferral. A LOCI is a short letter where you reaffirm your interest in the college, share any new achievements, and express why you’re still a strong fit.
In fact, I recently helped a homeschooled student named Jonah draft his LOCI. He had published a short story in a national teen literary magazine between his ED application and the deferral. We highlighted that in his letter, along with specific reasons the college matched his academic goals. He was accepted in March.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out our guide on how to write a Letter of Continued Interest. It walks you through tone, structure, and content with examples that work.
Strengthen Your Application While You Wait
Being deferred gives you a second chance to impress admissions. Use it wisely. I always tell students: this is a rare window where you can influence your outcome. Don’t let it pass by.
Submit Mid-Year Grades
If your grades improve during your senior year, this can boost your academic profile. Many selective colleges specifically request mid-year reports from deferred applicants. Make sure your school counselor submits them as soon as they’re available.
Update Your Activities and Honors
Have you taken on a new leadership role? Won an award? Completed a new project? These updates can reinforce your growth and commitment. This is especially impactful for students applying to honors programs or competitive majors.
One of my students, Priya, used this time to start tutoring refugee students online. She mentioned it in her LOCI, along with reflections on cultural empathy. That initiative showed maturity and alignment with her intended major in global studies.
Continue Demonstrating Interest
Though ED applicants typically already show strong interest, it doesn’t hurt to engage further—especially if your school tracks demonstrated interest.
- Attend virtual or in-person info sessions
- Email your regional admissions rep with thoughtful questions
- Connect with current students or alumni
Be genuine, not pushy. A well-timed email expressing continued enthusiasm can go a long way.
Polish Your Applications to Other Schools
While you hope for good news from your ED school, don’t leave your other applications hanging. Use this time to refine your essays, double-check your recommendation letters, and make sure your list includes target and safety schools.
If you’re a first-generation applicant or feeling overwhelmed, our first-gen college guide lays out a clear path through this part of the process.
Re-Evaluate and Rebuild Your College Plan
Being deferred is also an opportunity. It forces you to step back and ask: what do I want out of this next chapter? Is this still my dream school, or have I outgrown the idea?
This reflection can be powerful. I’ve seen students discover new passions or change course entirely after a deferral. And in many cases, they ended up at schools that were a better fit than the original ED choice.
Expand Your College List
Make sure you’re applying to a balanced list of reach, match, and safety schools. If you’ve only applied to highly selective schools, now’s the time to diversify. Look into schools that offer generous merit aid or strong support programs.
Resources like College Navigator or BigFuture by CollegeBoard can help you filter schools by major, cost, and size. Or consider using our tips for understanding current admissions trends to guide your next steps.
Consider Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
If you’re no longer bound by an ED agreement, you can compare offers from multiple schools. This can be a financial blessing in disguise. Research merit-based options and start your FAFSA if you haven’t already done so.
Also, check out our guide on how SAT scores can impact scholarships if you’re applying to test-optional schools but still have strong scores.
Stay Positive and Keep Perspective
It’s okay to feel disappointed. But don’t let that define the rest of your journey. I’ve seen students who were deferred, accepted later, and absolutely thrive. I’ve also seen students find joy and success in schools they hadn’t considered until after a deferral.
There’s no shame in being deferred. If anything, it’s a sign that you’re right on the edge—and with a little more effort, you could cross that line.
FAQ: Deferred from Early Decision
Does being deferred from ED hurt my chances of getting in later?
Not necessarily. You’re still in the running, but the competition is broader in the regular pool. A strong LOCI and updated achievements can improve your odds.
Can I apply ED or EA to another school after being deferred?
Yes. Unlike being accepted under ED (which is binding), a deferral frees you from that agreement. You can apply to other schools under Early Action if their deadlines haven’t passed.
Should I send new recommendation letters?
Only if the school allows it and you have someone who can add significant new perspective. Another teacher from this year or a mentor from a recent project can be good choices.
Is it okay to contact the admissions office directly?
Yes, but do so respectfully. A short, thoughtful email to your regional rep expressing your continued interest and asking appropriate questions is perfectly fine.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been deferred, please hear this: you are still in the game. This isn’t the end of your story. It’s a plot twist, sure, but one that you can navigate with strategy and heart.
Stay engaged, stay hopeful, and keep moving forward. Whether you’re updating your resume, crafting your LOCI, or expanding your college list, you’re building your future one step at a time. And if you ever need help figuring out what comes next, know that we’re walking this journey with you.
For more support and tools to guide your application process, explore our insights on alternative pathways like homeschooling or how to stand out in competitive admissions. Your path may not look like everyone else’s—but it can still lead somewhere amazing.