First, if you have been deferred from a college, here is
what not to do: nothing.
The advice is essentially the same for deferrals from "early" applications or wait-listed from regular applications.
This is no time to be sitting around merely worrying and
hoping. This is a time for action. It is not too late. The goal of every
college application should be to stand out in a positive way. That goal does
not change after a deferral. If your application is just sitting in a pile
somewhere, chances are that it is not going to stand out. You can do something
about that. Try one or more of the following:
-- It has been several months since you sent in your
application. Have you had any positive news since then? Have you won any
awards, or had a poem published, or become captain or editor? Let the
admissions office know.
-- If you have no news to share, make some. Sign up for an
elective term course. Submit poems to newspapers, magazines, and contests. Try
to get elected or appointed to a leadership position in an extra-curricular
activity. Volunteer for a charitable activity outside of school – at a hospital
or nursing home or Habitat for Humanity or the like. In some way, add another
activity or appointment to your schedule. When you do, let the admissions
office know.
-- Call the admissions office and let them know that you
care enough about your candidacy to get in touch and to update your
application. Tell them about what you have been doing and what good things have
happened since your application was submitted. Let them know what you have to
offer them and why they will be glad that they accepted you. Let them know that
they are number one, that if you are accepted, you will attend. Give them a
voice to attach to the name on your application, a personality, a life full of
good cheer, a basketful of reasons to put you in the “admit” pile. If possible,
speak with the representative who covers your area. In whatever way possible,
make that rep your advocate.
Again, the goal is to stand out. The overwhelming majority
of deferred candidates will do nothing. They will not call. They will not
update their application. They will not show in any conspicuous manner – other
than what they said in their initial application – that they care about getting
admitted. You can be different…you can stand out…you can show that you really
care. Start by sharing your good-news update.
xxxx
For more information about the college admission process,
see Dr. Droge's book, COLLEGE ADMISSION click here
