Deferred.  It’s a word that every early applicant fears. Neither accepted nor denied, deferred students often feel as if they have been banished to college admissions purgatory, sentenced to a state of suffering and uncertainty from which they can do nothing to extricate themselves.  Fortunately, deferment is not the hopeless state of limbo it appears to be.  If you’ve been deferred at your first-choice school, there are steps that you can take to tip the admissions scale in your favor.

1.  In January, contact your admissions representative (the rep who reviews applications from your area) and ask for advice on what you can do to improve your application. Attempt to call before sending an email, as a phone call allows you to make a personal connection with your rep.  It is also important that you strike an upbeat and appreciative tone when communicating with the admissions office; doing so shows resilience and leaves a positive impression.

2.  Draft a letter addressed to the Dean of Admissions and to the chair of your prospective academic department, which (1) reiterates your intentions to enroll if admitted, and (2) restates why you believe the college is most suited to your academic, personal, and extracurricular interests.  Be sure to reference specific courses, extracurricular activities, and/or research opportunities that you plan on pursuing.

3.  Send your mid-year grades as soon as they are made available. In addition, send an official SAT/ACT score report if you have taken any such standardized exams since submitting your early application.

4.  Solicit a letter of recommendation from someone who is able to offer a different and fresh perspective on your candidacy.  For example, if you’ve only submitted teacher recommendations thus far, consider sending a letter of recommendation from an extracurricular sponsor or work supervisor, who can attest to your abilities and work ethic outside of the classroom.

5.  Seek opportunities to earn additional recognition.  If you’re a writer, send an article to your local newspaper; if you’re an artist, enroll in a contest; if you excel in math, enter a competition.  Securing a competitive scholarship, distinguished award, or entry in a sought-after publication can do wonders for a borderline applicant.

6.  Involve your school in the process.  If you have established a positive and productive relationship with a counselor or principal, suggest that they contact the admissions office to advocate on your behalf.   Although not always effective, an “administrative push” can influence your admissions rep to reconsider and ultimately approve your application.

Finally, it’s important to note that even if you take all of the above steps, your first-choice school may still decide to deny you come April.  There are no guarantees in life or in the college admissions process, which is why you must familiarize yourself with and be open to attending several colleges.  Everyone has their dream school, and that’s ok; but it’s important to keep in mind that there are a number of colleges which can offer you an excellent education and a fun-filled four years.

So, follow the above advice and do what you can to secure an acceptance letter, but more importantly, trust in the process and trust that whatever happens, you’re going to be fine.