Accepted, Deferred, or Denied: Next Steps for Early Action & Early Decision Results
If you applied Early Decision or Early Action to a school, you will likely be hearing back over the next several weeks. Below are some things to consider as you react and respond to your admission outcomes of acceptance, deferral or denial. If you have questions or would like support, let us know! The Avalon College Advising team is available to help.
If your application was ACCEPTED:
Celebrate and take a moment to acknowledge your hard work. If you were admitted to your Early Decision school, remember that you signed an agreement that you would not apply anywhere else and that you would withdraw any outstanding applications.
If your application was DEFERRED:
Take some deep breaths – all is not lost! There are several key things to know and possibly do. A deferral means the college application has been neither accepted nor denied—it’s just a “maybe.” Unlike a denial, a deferral means there is still a chance of being admitted during the Regular Decision round. Take this opportunity to strengthen your application and improve your chances of converting a deferral to an acceptance.
Think positively. The college saw something promising in your application. They may want to see your first semester grades from senior year, or they may encourage you to submit additional materials like updates on extracurricular activities or another recommendation letter.
Continue to work hard in school. Colleges will be paying extra attention to your senior year grades going forward. Stay focused and continue to do your best.
Read the deferral letter carefully and follow the directions. If the college asks you to fill out a form, do so in a timely, thoughtful way. If they request your first-semester grades, make sure they are sent. If they specifically state that you should not send additional information, send nothing.
If the college does allow you to send additional materials, first send an email expressing continued interest. Sincerely state your continued interest in the school and why you believe it would be the perfect match for you. Think of it as another, brief “Why Us?” essay. Mention any new and meaningful accomplishments you’ve had since submitting your application. Keep the tone positive.
If the college will accept them, send in 1-2 strong and relevant additional recommendations. The key is to ask someone who can add something new to your application and not necessarily someone who will continue to say what has already been highlighted.
Submit other college applications.Consider Early Decision II (ED II), targeting new schools, strengthening your essays, and revising any new applications.
If your application was DENIED:
Allow yourself some time to feel disappointed. You worked hard and in many cases were likely admissible. Hundreds of thousands of applications are turned down for many different reasons. Colleges simply can’t admit every applicant. Stay open-minded and explore the other great options out there.