So You’ve Been Deferred…

The admissions process can be tough. Once you finally narrow down your list, submit all of the paperwork, and make it through the whirlwind of campus visits and tours (not to mention all those crazy tests!) you think, “OK. Now I just wait to see what happens.”

Then … It happens. That top choice school you had your eyes on, the cream of the crop, make your friends and family so proud of you for getting in school sends you a letter that goes something like this:

“Dear Samantha,

Thank you for your interest in the greatest school ever that we know you would attend if you got in. Unfortunately, due to a huge volume of other applicants that love us just as much, your application has been deferred …”

Tip 1: Relax!

Just remember, there are thousands of colleges and universities out there.  Just because you didn’t get in early to this one does not mean that A) You won’t get in later, or B) You won’t find a surprise school that you hadn’t considered.  What was the point of applying to so many schools if you were guaranteed to get in, anyway?

Tip 2: Keep your parents under control

Remember; the admissions office reviewed your application.  They took a look at your academics and extracurricular activities.  They deferred you, not them.  Take it from a former admissions officer, the last thing that will help you get off the wait list is your parent talking to us sternly (to put it nicely) on the phone.  That’s what brings us to tip #3.

Tip 3: Take Control

Chances are the college outlined a few steps you can consider taking in the deferral/waitlist letter they sent you.  So … Do what they say.  Read the entire letter and highlight specific steps you can take.  This may include:

o    Scheduling an interview with the admissions office.  While this may not be specifically mentioned in the letter it doesn’t hurt to ask.  Pick up the phone and call the admissions office to inquire about interviews for deferred applicants.  They might just appreciate your initiative.

o    Get a better sense of the chances of admission.  Before you go running off and signing up for another ACT or SAT test, or have every teacher and coach send additional letters of recommendation, it’s a good idea to talk to your admission counselor (calmly!) about anything specific they can share that may enhance your chances of moving from WaitlistVille to AcceptedTown. (P.S. Do NOT use the terms “Waitlistville” or “Acceptedtown” when speaking to your admissions officer!)

If, after you speak with the admissions office, you realize that increasing a score, sending your most recent marking period’s grades, or additional letters of recommendation will help go ahead and pursue that.  The admissions office will look favorably on the extra effort and see that as an indicator of your genuine interest in attending the school.

Tip 4: Be Prepared to Explore Other Options

Sadly, even if you do all of the things we lay out in tips 1-3, there is still a real possibility that the college may not change their mind and ultimately not admit you to their class.  Remember that this is OK, and that you should be proud of all of the work that you have done.

It’s a good idea to continue to keep the lines of communication open if you have your heart set on this school, but also remember there are tons of options for college … and who knows, maybe the one you had on your “safety list” will actually turn out to be the best fit.

Today’s post was written by Chegg’s Director of Marketing & Outreach, and former Associate Director of Admissions at University of New Haven, Gil Rogers.