Porterville Recorder

Countdown to college: What to do if you’re deferred, Part 2

- TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Being deferred is NOT the same as being rejected. It may feel that way for students, but this year, with a record number of early applicatio­ns, there has also been a record number of deferrals.

A student who applies through early action or early decision is deferred when a college determines that the student has potential, but the admissions office wants to see first-semester senior grades.

So, being deferred gives a student a second chance to impress the admissions office. So how should a student respond to a deferral?

WHAT TO DO Visit the college. Even if you have already visited, a follow-up visit where you sit in on a class and/or meet with someone from admissions can set you apart from other applicants.

Contact your admissions representa­tive. Find out which person in the admissions office handles your geographic territory. Take the opportunit­y to introduce yourself via email and ask that person if they can share any thoughts on how you could improve your applicatio­n. Listen to what they say — don't argue or complain. It is important to be upbeat and leave a positive impression.

Write a letter. Send it to the director of admissions and your admissions representa­tive. Focus on your strongest attributes and how you will be able to contribute to the college community.

Demonstrat­e your interest and your commitment. If you are 100 percent sure that if you are accepted you will attend, say so.

Talk about college fit. Explain why the college is a good fit for you and why you are a good fit for the college. Use the letter to update the admissions office on any new informatio­n such as leadership roles, awards, scholarshi­ps, etc.

Send your midyear transcript. Most colleges will specifical­ly request that you send your seventh-semester grades. Follow instructio­ns to the letter and get it done quickly.

WHAT NOT TO DO Don't be bitter. Trust me: They know you're upset, but you'll serve yourself better in the end if you don't come across as angry or depressed.

Don't sound desperate. Don't make grand overtures about coming to visit the campus again, meeting or interviewi­ng with staff members

Don't request multiple unsolicite­d letters of recommenda­tion.

Don't tell them that you'll do “anything” to be accepted.

Don't whine and complain to the admissions office that you deserve to be accepted.

Don't send volumes of e-mails, snail mail or packages hoping to change their minds.

Don't accuse the admissions office of making a mistake in their decision.

Don't compare your SAT scores and GPA with someone else's who was accepted.

Don't boast about small accomplish­ments. It is not really worth it to share that your SAT score went up 10 points.

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