Deferred? What To Do Next
It's not a rejection. It's just not what you wanted.
Deferred?
Take 5 minutes to be stunned, shocked, sad, outraged, or disappointed. Throw something soft. Sprint down the street (watch for cars). Scream in frustration (while sprinting down the street and watching for cars). Then sit for a few minutes in total silence. Once your mind has settled, follow these seven steps:
1. It’s Not a Rejection
It’s not a rejection. It’s just not what you wanted. A deferral means the college is saying “We like you a lot, but we need time to see how our class takes shape.” You’re still in the running. Research the school’s deferred-to-admit rate from previous years to understand your odds. But make other plans.
2. Follow Instructions
Once your mind stops racing, reread the deferral message. The school may ask you to accept the deferral and submit a letter of continued interest (LOCI). This is your opportunity to show you’re still committed. Make it clear that this is your first choice and will attend if offered a spot. Share specific reasons you’re excited about the possibility of attending. This can include classes with certain professors, specific clubs you hope to join, and leadership roles you one day hope to fill. Include any recent achievements, awards, and grades. Finish with excitement and gratitude. PRO TIP: DO NOT flood them with extra stuff they didn’t request.
3. Shift Your Mindset
Between you and me, you will be successful no matter where you go to college. You need options. Stop focusing on this deferral and start building a strategy around exploring other colleges where you know you can thrive. You need to be okay attending other schools. Options give you power. The data is clear: it’s not where you go, it’s what you do. (Watch my podcast with Jeff Selingo).
4. Redefine Success
Create a first year success plan that isn’t dependent on one school, but on what you will do wherever you go to school (watch event replay below). Where will you sweat, play, pray, live, learn, lead, love, and work on any campus? What will you do your first semester/quarter? Where will you spend your time? Where will you find your people? Where can you meet people who excite you and interest you? Be specific. Once you can pinpoint specific experiences you want to have, you can talk to the people on the campuses having these experiences.
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5. Talk to Current Students
Talk to current students attending the schools that interest you (including the school where you were deferred). Reach out to grads from your high school, siblings of friends, and campus leaders at schools on your list. Ask about their experiences and about the things you want to do. Ask them if the school has met their expectations. Make sure your expectations are in alignment with reality.
6. Find Clarity & Focus
When you know what you want, know who you are, and understand how to get where you want to go regardless of where you go to school, it changes your sense of self. You know you have options—that matters. Confidence is attractive. Clarity is magnetic. It’s the difference between being desperate and being determined. Sometimes schools come back with acceptances (and money) because they recognize your self-awareness and genuine interest.
7. You Are in Control
You are the creator of your dreams. It’s not where you go; it’s about what you do. Have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish on any college campus and let that guide you. Create a definition of success that isn’t dependent on a school, but on you.
BONUS: If you do get rejected, please watch this video 👇
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