What Does Deferred Mean for College? What You Need to Know and Do

In college admissions, the word “deferred” comes up often—and for many students, it sparks concern. Being deferred means your application wasn’t accepted or rejected, but set aside for review later in the cycle. So, what does deferred mean for college and your plans?

If you’ve been deferred or are worried it might happen, it’s normal to feel unsure about what comes next. To clear things up, here’s everything you need to know—what deferrals mean, why they happen, and how to take your next step forward.

• What Does It Mean to Be Deferred from a College? 
• Why Do Colleges Defer Applicants?
• How Often Do Colleges Defer Applicants?
• What Should You Do If You’ve Been Deferred?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Does It Mean to Be Deferred from a College?

When thinking about what being deferred means for college, it’s more of a “not yet” than a “no.” It means your application wasn’t accepted or rejected in Early Decision (ED)—you’re simply being reconsidered in the Regular Decision (RD) round.

While it can be disappointing, a deferral still gives your application a real chance. And since what happens if you are deferred from a college isn’t always clear, it’s easy to fall into common misconceptions—so let’s set the record straight.

Myth: being deferred automatically means rejection

While it may feel like rejection, being deferred simply means your application is still under review. So, does deferred mean rejected? No. It just means your file gets another look in the Regular Decision (RD) pool, unlike the finality of a rejection.

As Yale admissions officer Hannah Mendlowitz explains, a deferral often signals that your application was strong enough to be reconsidered. So while it can be frustrating, it’s not a closed door. You’re still in the running, and that still counts.

Myth: being waitlisted is better than being deferred

It’s a common misconception that being waitlisted is better than being deferred, especially if you skipped the pressure of early application. But being deferred means your application is still in motion. Waitlists, on the other hand, aren’t active decisions as they just rely on space opening up.

So, is it better to be deferred or waitlisted? Statistically, being deferred puts you in a stronger position. At UPenn, 9.5% of deferred applicants for the Class of 2026 were admitted, compared to just 5.9% from the waitlist. While both outcomes are uncertain, a future as a deferred applicant is certainly more promising.

Myth: deferral and deferring admission are the same

They may sound similar, but deferral and deferring admission mean very different things. Being deferred means the college is delaying your admissions decision. Deferring admission, alternatively,  means you’ve been accepted and are choosing to delay enrollment.

So when thinking about what being deferred means for college, it’s important to know the difference. You can only defer enrollment after being accepted—once you’ve moved past the deferral stage. And colleges usually expect students to use that time purposefully and productively before approving an enrollment deferral.

The bottom line: is being deferred a bad thing?

Before you think otherwise, being deferred isn’t a bad thing. It means the admissions office saw enough in your application to keep it under review—not rejected or waitlisted. While it may feel like a setback, a deferral gives you a real chance to be reconsidered in the regular pool.

That said, it’s understandable to feel confused, especially if you were committed to applying early to a top-choice school. But before giving up on your application, it helps to know why deferrals happen in the first place.

Why Do Colleges Defer Applicants?

While being deferred typically means admissions needs more time, it doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Sometimes, a key piece of your application is missing. Other times, it’s about timing and institutional needs.

Instead of assuming the worst when early decisions come out, here are a few common reasons applicants get deferred and what those reasons might mean for you:

• Increased competition in early rounds. Strong applicants might get held for later to see how they stack up against the rest of the applicant pool.
• Need for updated academic performance. Admissions may want to see your senior grades if there are dips or inconsistencies in your performance in earlier terms.
• Missing information or incomplete files. Incomplete details like test scores or supplemental documents can pause review on an otherwise strong application.
• Questions about personal fit or alignment. Admissions may need more time to gauge how well you’d fit with the school’s programs or values.
• Yield management strategies. Colleges usually defer applicants to predict the enrollment number for the upcoming class.
• Diversity goals or institutional priorities. Colleges often wait to review the full applicant pool for the cycle to shape a balanced class across programs and backgrounds.

While stressing over what being deferred means for college is normal, understanding the reasons behind it—often outlined in your deferral letter—can help you focus and improve on what matters most.

How Often Do Colleges Defer Applicants?

If you’re worried about your chances of being deferred, just know it depends entirely on the school. Some, like Georgetown and USC, defer most early applicants who aren’t accepted. Others, like Duke or Williams, deny more and defer far fewer.

Deferral practices vary widely depending on a school’s admissions strategy. While not all colleges released their most recent rates, the following Class of 2028 numbers show which top institutions are more likely to defer applicants:

Some colleges defer just a few students, while others move most early applicants to the regular round. That’s why it’s worth checking your school’s policy to understand what your deferral actually means for college.

What Should You Do If You’ve Been Deferred?

Getting deferred can leave you in a frustrating spot—especially when you’ve worked hard, applied early, and hoped for a clear decision. But knowing what being deferred means for college admissions, it doesn’t mean you’re out of the running.

With your application still active, how you respond next can shape your chances. Considering what happens if you are deferred from a college, here’s what you should do to stay in the game:

1. Review the deferral letter carefully.

Receiving a deferral letter may feel like the end of the road, but used wisely, it could be just the beginning. Typically sent with early decisions in December or January, the deferral letter typically contains:

• Explanation of your deferral. Some colleges give insight on why you were deferred—often due to timing, applicant volume, or other factors.
• Next steps, if any. Certain schools welcome updates or additional information, while others don’t—so check your letter carefully before sending anything.
• Timeline for a final decision. Admissions will typically let you know when decisions come out, with most releasing regular decision results by late March or early April.
• What to submit. Your letter may ask for midyear grades, updates, or a letter of continued interest.
• Contact or communication policy. Some admissions offices allow follow-ups or provide a contact person, while others may not—so check before initiating contact.

While reviewing the details may feel frustrating, understanding your deferral letter helps you respond strategically—so you don’t miss an opportunity that’s still on the table.

2. Notify and consult your school counselor.

After being deferred, one of the best first steps is checking in with your school counselor. Since they’re familiar with what colleges expect, they’re in a good position to help you understand what happens if you are deferred from a college. That way, you can plan your next move.

Don’t wait too long—your counselor can offer direction on what to do and when to do it. Here’s what to bring up when you meet:

• Clarify what the college expects. Ask if the school encourages follow-ups or midyear updates, and if so, what kind.
• Request a midyear report or transcript. Some colleges require updated grades. Your counselor can help ensure they’re submitted on time.
• Ask about writing a letter of continued interest (LOCI). They can help you plan for it or advise whether one is appropriate for your case.
• Review your academic performance. Talk about any recent grades or trends that could affect your application, and what you could do to improve.
• Discuss your remaining college list. Counselors can also help you move past your deferrals and assist in strategizing for your other deadlines and target schools.

Regardless of the outcome, tapping into your counselor’s guidance early can help you stay focused and ready for how the rest of admissions unfolds.

3. Write a letter of continued interest.

A letter of continued interest (LOCI) shows a college you’re still committed—and gives them a reason to take another look. While a deferral isn’t a rejection, a strong LOCI can remind admissions why you belong.

Because it shares many similarities with a waitlist appeal, your LOCI should feel like your final pitch—clear, confident, and specific, but never desperate. Here’s what to include:

• A sincere statement of continued interest. Make it clear you still want to attend and would enroll if admitted.
• An academic or personal update. Mention any new meaningful achievements, awards, grades, or activities since your application.
• A reaffirmation of your fit. Briefly and specifically explain why the school remains your top choice and how its programs align with your goals.
• A note of appreciation. Thank the admissions committee for their time and consideration.
• A short and focused entry. One page is enough—admissions officers don’t have time to read more than necessary.

If you’re unsure where to start, here’s what a strong LOCI to MIT might look like in practice:

Dear MIT Admissions Committee,

Thank you for reviewing my application. I’m writing to sincerely reaffirm that MIT remains my top choice, and if admitted, I would be honored to accept a spot in the Class of 2029.

Since applying, I’ve continued to challenge myself academically and grow through hands-on STEM work. I earned first place at my state’s Science Olympiad in Experimental Design, completed an independent project on solar-powered desalination, and maintained straight A’s—including in Multivariable Calculus and AP Physics C. I’ve also taken on a mentorship role in my school’s robotics team, helping our younger members prepare for regional competitions.

What excites me most about MIT is its collaborative, problem-solving environment and the chance to learn from faculty doing real-world research in energy and sustainability. I’m especially drawn to the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and the work happening in the D-Lab, both of which speak directly to the kind of impact I hope to make in the field.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I remain deeply interested in MIT and appreciate the opportunity to share this update.

Sincerely,

Jordan Kim

Common App ID: 2030119273

Knowing what being deferred means for college admissions also means knowing when to speak up. That’s why delivering a focused, well-timed, and counselor-approved LOCI can help you stand out.

4. Keep your grades up and your options open.

Putting effort into your deferral response matters, but it shouldn’t take over your entire college season. After all, being deferred in college means your application has a strong shot, but it isn’t guaranteed. That’s why it’s just as important to stay focused and keep your other options open.

Once you’ve submitted your LOCI and taken the right next steps, there’s still room to move forward. Here are smart ways to stay proactive while waiting for your final decision:

• Keep your grades strong. Midyear reports matter, so stay on top of your classes and give admissions something solid to review.
• Revisit your college list. Make sure it’s balanced with reach, target, and safety options.
• Finish your other college applications. Stay on track with regular deadlines and treat each one seriously.
• Stay engaged in your activities. Stay active in your leadership and involvement—even if waiting on one school is top of mind.
• Avoid obsessing over one outcome. Colleges are unpredictable. Stay grounded in what you can control.

Ultimately, what happens if you are deferred from a college isn’t just about the school’s decision—it’s about how you move forward, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it bad when you get deferred from a college?

Being deferred from a college isn’t necessarily a bad sign. It often means the school sees potential but isn’t ready to make a decision yet. Colleges defer strong applicants when they want to see midyear grades or compare them to the rest of the applicant pool. A deferral simply means you’re still being considered.

2. Does deferred mean my application was weak or rejected?

If you’re wondering what it means to be deferred from a college, there usually isn’t anything wrong with your application. A deferral often means your file showed promise, but the admissions office needs more time or context due to high application volume, timing, or institutional priorities. It’s not exactly a denial, but a request for more time and information.

3. Is getting deferred better than being waitlisted?

In most cases, yes—getting deferred is usually better than being waitlisted.  A deferral means admissions are postponing decisions for your application for now. Waitlisted students, on the other hand, are only reviewed if space opens up. So if you’re deferred from a college, you still have an active opportunity to strengthen your case—unlike with a waitlist.

4. Can I update or improve my application if I get deferred?

Yes, getting deferred doesn’t mean your file is closed off to any changes. Many colleges allow deferred students to submit supplemental materials, a letter of continued interest, or other meaningful updates. These additions can help strengthen your case and reinforce your fit. Just make sure to follow your school’s instructions before sending anything new.

5. What are the chances of getting accepted after being deferred?

Your chances of acceptance later on really depend on your school. Some colleges admit a notable share of deferred applicants in the regular round, while others only take a small percentage. If you’re wondering what happens if you are deferred from a college, your chances often depend on how strong your follow-up is and how your profile compares later in the cycle.

Takeaways

To help you better understand what being deferred from a college really means—and what you can do in response—here are the key things to remember:

• Being deferred in college admissions means your application wasn’t rejected. It was simply moved to the regular round for another look.
• Colleges defer applicants for many reasons, often related to timing, applicant volume, or the need for more academic information before making a final decision.
• Some schools defer a large portion of early applicants, while others are more selective, so it helps to know how your target school typically handles deferrals.
• If you’ve been deferred, don’t panic. Use this as a chance to follow instructions carefully, send updates where allowed, and keep your other options open.
• Unsure what to do next or how to improve your deferral odds? An experienced admissions expert can help you plan your next move and strengthen the rest of your application for reconsideration.