It’s hard to emotionally accept a college deferral and, even for us, hard to understand why some students receive one. A few years ago, Essay Coaching helped four students who each applied to several schools, including the University of Michigan. Each student had test scores above the 95th percentile and top grades, along with strong essays.
Two were immediately accepted from the University of Michigan, and two were postponed.
We’ll never understand exactly why some college decisions are delayed. Instead we focus on what we do to make sure our students getting that second look are well-positioned to stand out.
Write a Letter of Continued Interest
A deferral means the college needs more time to decide if you’re a good fit. Now is the time to show them! Many schools provide opportunities for students to say that they still want to attend. For example, the University of Michigan has an Expression of Continued Interest Form (ECI) that students can use to submit a 250-word letter of continued interest.
Students should approach Letters of Continued Interest as they would any short college application essay. Be direct, and make sure that when an admissions reaches the end, you have:
- Reaffirmed your interest: Mention your strong attributes, fit for the college and potential contributions. Make sure you tell them as clearly as you can why you would love to attend, and why they are your first choice school (if they are).
- Highlighted new accomplishments: This includes any new extracurriculars, awards, projects, jobs, courses, etc.
- Been specific and personal: Describe what you saw or heard during your visit there. Give the name or relationship of a person, and quote what they said that has you excited you about your possibility of attending the school. Compare what you saw or heard to an experience that you are having now. Use names, dates, places, program and course names.
Stay Positive
A college deferral doesn’t mean you aren’t qualified. Admissions officers unfortunately cannot accept all candidates, even the highly qualified.
Review Your College List
Double-check that your “best fit” schools have received all your application materials—and make sure to send your midyear transcript!
“Consider updating your list of colleges, in case you missed a couple that might fit well,” recommends John B. Boshoven, College Counseling Coordinator for Ann Arbor Public Schools Some schools accept applications late in the season. Search online for an updated list.
Contact Your Admissions Representative
Ask about how you can improve your application. (First read the letter/website carefully!) Be polite and professional, and ask if the school will accept any additional materials, such as a letter of recommendation or an art portfolio.
Visit the Campus Again
Sit in on a class and/or meet with someone in admissions. Take detailed notes during the visit; they’ll come in handy for expressions of continued interest and conversations with admissions.
Consider Transferring Later
If you don’t get in, you can always transfer later. (Essay Coaching founder Debbie Merion transferred to the University of Michigan from the University of Delaware and immediately felt like it was a place where she belonged.) Your chances of getting accepted at schools often go up if you apply as a transfer student. (For example, U-M has an approximately 40 percent acceptance rate for transfer students and a 16 percent acceptance rate for first-year applicants).
Above All, Stay Positive!
This bears repeating! You have already done the hardest part—deciding that you want to go to college and applying. There is a college for everyone. Keep your fingers crossed and attentive to your applications.