Admitted, Deferred, Denied: Next Steps

We are now well into the college admission process for many of our students. As early admission decisions begin to arrive, Perkiomen School students and families may find themselves navigating a wide range of emotions, from excitement and relief to uncertainty and disappointment. With decisions being released weekly and plenty of time still left in the admission cycle, below is a breakdown of where you may be and what you should consider next.

 

If You Were Admitted:

Congratulations! If the admission is Early Decision, take a close look at your financial aid package. Once finances are confirmed, you can enroll through your colleges portal and celebrate. 

If the admission is Early Action, enjoy the moment! There’s no rush. National decision day is May 1. This is your chance to let other decisions come in, compare options, and decide what feels best.

In both cases, keep an eye out on your portal for admitted student events, scholarship opportunities and other important updates.

In both cases, congratulations again, and update your college counselor!

 

If You Were Deferred:

Every year, students are deferred and still end up at truly exceptional colleges including even the very schools that initially deferred them. Deferrals happen for reasons that aren’t always obvious, logical or fair.  It could be anything academics, extracurriculars, essays, financial considerations, or a lack of demonstrated interest. Sometimes schools defer students because they believe the student may be too competitive and are managing their yield. (We have seen more of this than ever this year.)

What should you do now?

• Check your admissions portal carefully for instructions.
• Many schools will ask for a Continued Interest Form, complete it and check in with your college counselor for any guidance.
• If no form is available, work with your college counselor to craft a Letter of Continued Interest.
• Update your application with anything new since you submitted. 
• Show genuine interest where possible: visit campus, attend virtual events,  interview if offered or an additional email. These steps matter.

A deferral is not a “no.” It’s just "not now!" 

 

If You Were Denied:

Give yourself a few days and know you are not alone and you will find the right institution!  Talk it through with your family, friends, and your college counselor. Then, strategize about your next steps.

• Exploring ED2 options
• Adding more Regular Decision schools
• Reviewing your application and any new supplements. 

 

 

No matter your admission outcome, everything will work out. Admission decisions do not define you or your future, you do. Lean on your family, friends, advisors and your college counselor as you navigate next steps. As always call, email or pop into the college counseling suit anytime!

 

---

 

Learn More

 

College Counseling at Perkiomen School