Rejections and Deferrals: What To Do Next

1. Reassess the College List

If your teen was deferred or rejected, one of the most immediate questions to ask is this: Were we realistic in our list of schools?

Many families shoot for the stars when it comes to their child’s college list—and that’s okay! Ambition is a great thing. But the truth is, the admissions process is extremely competitive. Top-tier schools are rejecting more students every year, including those who are incredibly qualified.

If your list leaned heavily on reach schools, now is the time to regroup and ensure there’s a better balance. A strong list includes reach schools, target schools, and safety schools.

Here are a few key questions to consider:

• Did we aim too high with the majority of our schools?
• Are there target schools where my teen’s application will shine?
• Are there safeties where my child would thrive academically and socially?

The good news? There are thousands of colleges in the United States. If your list wasn’t balanced before, it’s not too late to reassess and find incredible schools where your teen will feel challenged and valued.

2. Follow Up on Deferrals

If your child was deferred, there’s still hope! A deferral isn’t a rejection—it’s an opportunity to strengthen your application.

Here’s what your teen needs to do right now:

Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

Many schools allow deferred students to upload additional information through the college’s admissions portal. A Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) is your teen’s chance to demonstrate their enthusiasm for the school and provide any significant updates since submitting their application.

The letter should include:

• A clear statement that the school is still their top choice (if it is).
• Updates on academic achievements, awards, or extracurriculars.
• A positive tone that reflects their excitement about potentially attending.

Some schools require a LOCI, while others leave it optional. Either way, this follow-up is crucial. It shows the admissions office that your child is serious about attending and is willing to put in the extra effort.

3. Redefine What Success Looks Like

This may be the most important part of this process. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’ve seen families put immense pressure on themselves (and their teens) to attend prestigious, name-brand colleges.

Let me say this loud and clear:

Success is not defined by one school—or even by five schools.

Yes, rejections sting. Yes, deferrals are frustrating. But if you allow those outcomes to define success for your child, this process will become even more stressful and emotionally exhausting than it needs to be.

Instead, take a step back and ask yourselves as a family:

• What really matters to us in a college experience?
• Where will our child be happiest and most successful?
• How can we find a school that aligns with their goals and values?

When you redefine success, you take control back from a process that often feels unforgiving. College is about finding the right fit for your child, not about chasing prestige. There are so many incredible schools out there where your teen can excel, and I promise you—one rejection or deferral doesn’t change your child’s potential or future.

4. Work With a Professional to Regroup and Move Forward

I know this process can feel overwhelming. You’re not just dealing with deadlines and requirements—you’re managing emotions, expectations, and tough decisions. That’s why now, more than ever, is the time to seek out professional guidance.

At Strategic Admissions Advice, we specialize in helping families like yours regroup after rejections and deferrals. We don’t just offer generic advice—we take the time to get to know your child, understand your family’s goals, and create a strategic plan for success.

When we work together, we can:

• Review your teen’s application and identify areas of improvement.
• Reassess the college list to ensure it’s balanced and realistic.
• Guide your teen in writing a powerful Letter of Continued Interest (if applicable).
• Help you redefine success and move forward with confidence.

This process doesn’t have to feel hopeless—not when you have the right support in place.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of what to do next, let’s talk.

We’re offering a free Discovery Call for parents who want personalized guidance during this challenging stage of the admissions process. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation—every student’s journey is unique, and I want to help you figure out the next best steps for your child.

Together, we can create a plan to move forward with clarity and confidence.