Deferred? What next?

As Early Decision and Early Action results begin rolling in, one question I hear repeatedly from students and families around the world is:

“What should we do after a deferral from a dream school?”

First—what does a deferral actually mean?

In simple terms, a deferral signals that your application was competitive, just not competitive enough for an offer in the early round. The admissions committee wants to reconsider your file alongside the broader Regular Decision pool later in the cycle.

This is especially common at Early Action and Restrictive Early Action schools, many of which are highly focused on yield protection—ensuring that a high percentage of admitted students ultimately enroll, a metric closely tied to institutional prestige.

So, what can students and families do next?

1️⃣ Understand the school’s post-deferral policy.

This step is critical. Some schools welcome follow-up materials, while others explicitly discourage them. Always follow the institution’s guidance.

2️⃣ If permitted, submit a strong Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI).

A compelling LOCI should:

Clearly reaffirm your interest

Explain why the school remains the right fit

Highlight specific, recent updates (academic improvements, honors, leadership, new commitments)

Specificity matters.

3️⃣ Assess whether the school tracks demonstrated interest.

If it does, meaningful engagement can help—following the school on social media, attending virtual events, connecting with alumni, or engaging regional admissions officers appropriately.

🚫 What not to do: excessive emails or phone calls.

4️⃣ Strengthen your Regular Decision strategy.

A deferral is not the end of the road. A well-balanced RD list—built thoughtfully and strategically—can significantly improve outcomes.