Q:  My first-choice college sent me a letter saying my application is "deferred" and will be looked at again in March.  Does this mean I still have a chance of getting in, or are they just going to reject me anyway?

A:  Being "deferred" means that when the college admissions officers looked at their first round of applicants, they felt, for some reason, they could not accept you right away -- but they didn't want to reject you, either.  Basically, it means they are giving you more time to make your case.  You will have a second chance at a review.

Of course -- and I am sure your deferral letter stated this -- there is no guarantee you will be accepted.  Your application will be reviewed along with those of other deferred students as well as will all the applications that were submitted in January.  That's a lot of competition.  So to give yourself the best chance possible, you'll have to put in some extra work.

The first and most important thing is to keep your grades strong.  When you originally applied, you did not have first-semester grades.  Now you do.  Your transcript should indicate that you are still working hard academically.  In addition, I suggest that you write to the admissions committee, updating them on anything new since the time you first filed an application:  volunteer work, a completed project, any awards or honors, sports information, and so forth.  Your letter can also re-emphasize your continued interest in the college.

Whatever you do, don't be passive and simply hope that your application will succeed this time. Be active and do something about it.  There is no guarantee that you will meet with success, as not every deferred application later becomes an acceptance.  But some do!  Give it your best effort and tell your college counselor about your determination, and enlist him or her as an ally.

Any "deferred" students out there who were ultimately successful in gaining admissions? We'd like to hear from you. What's your advice?