Let’s not sugarcoat it, being deferred isn’t the outcome you’d hoped for. You put your heart into that Boston College ED application, hit submit, and crossed your fingers for a yes. Instead, you landed in the uncomfortable purgatory of “not yet.” And that feeling is totally valid. So take a moment, feel your feelings, grab your favorite snack, or rewatch your comfort show. When you're ready, let’s regroup.
First and foremost: a deferral is not a rejection. It doesn’t reflect poorly on your talent, your character, or your effort. It’s a byproduct of how competitive BC has become in recent years. While the Early Decision admit rate (31%) is still more favorable than Regular Decision (11%), it's by no means a sure thing – and with applicant numbers climbing and space limited, plenty of qualified students get deferred.
You chose BC early for a reason. Maybe it was the Jesuit philosophy, the tight-knit academic community, the campus just outside Boston, or the strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching. None of that has changed. But now you’ve got a second chance to make your case – and that means taking action.
Step One: Double-Check Your College List
If your list was built around Boston College being a lock, it’s time to adjust. Do you have a healthy distribution of reaches, targets, and safeties? Are your test scores (if submitted), GPA, and class rigor in line with your schools' admitted student profiles? If your list is too top-heavy or still in draft mode, now’s the time to diversify.
And think about why BC caught your eye. Was it the liberal arts core? Opportunities for meaningful mentorship? A campus culture that values intellectual depth and service? Then find schools with similar offerings. That could mean Notre Dame, Villanova, Wake Forest, or even smaller schools like Holy Cross or Richmond. Prestige isn’t everything, academic fit and community matter more.
Once your list is locked down, head to our blog. We’ve got targeted advice on writing for many popular schools, as well as strategies for tackling broad essay types.
Step Two: Revisit Your Common App
Now that you’ve had some distance, go back to your Common App essay and read it with fresh eyes. Does it still feel authentic to you? Does it add depth to your application, or does it echo what’s already in your activities section? Are you telling a story only you could tell?
We see it all the time – essays that check the boxes, hit the right tone, but feel a little… expected. Maybe it’s about something cliche (sports, grandma, etc.) or it’s too heavy in the “personal growth” genre. And yes, those can still work. But with RD being more competitive, you want to make sure your writing pops. If your essay feels like it could’ve been written by three other kids in your AP Lit class, consider a revision.
Ask yourself: Does this essay offer insight into my values, my motivations, or my worldview? Could someone unfamiliar with me walk away knowing something meaningful? If not, it might be time for a rewrite. Even a pivot to a new story!
We’ll always have a soft spot for Common App Prompt #7, it gives you the freedom to go wherever you need, but all the prompts can work if you make them yours. The most important thing to remember is to tell a story – not a sweeping epic or your entire childhood, but zeroing in on one special moment.
Need to completely revamp your Common App essay? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Step Three: Other Applications
If you're reading this in late December or early January, it’s go-time. This is your last big window to submit RD applications. That means you need to triage: fix the Common App, lock down your activity list, and then focus your attention on supplemental essays.
Begin by reviewing your personal statement one last time. Then comb through your activities – are they clear, prioritized, and typo-free? Once that’s set, dive into your supplements. These shorter pieces often carry just as much weight, especially when they’re asking about academic interests or campus fit.
Whatever you do, don’t cut it close to the deadline. We’ve seen too many kids crash into tech issues at 11:58 p.m. and lose everything. Once an application is ready, submit it.
Only after all of your Regular Decision materials are submitted should you turn your attention back to Boston College. Your deferral letter should be thoughtful and well-crafted – not rushed out of panic.
Step Four: Update
Boston College, unfortunately, isn’t super transparent about their deferral policies. But here’s what we recommend based on what we’ve seen work:
Talk to your school counselor and prepare to submit the following:
Mid-Year Transcript and Report
These should be sent automatically by your counselor, but it’s okay to double-check.
Updated Test Scores
If you’ve retaken the SAT or ACT and scored higher, send them in!
Your Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
This is your one shot to remind BC why you’re a great fit – and why you’re still 100% in.
The Deferral Letter – Letter of Continued Interest
Now’s your moment to re-engage with Boston College and send in your update. The deferral letter, also called a LOCI (Letter of Continued Interest), is your final opportunity to directly influence your outcome.
Your main objective is to affirm that BC is still your top choice and to share how your profile has evolved since you applied. This isn’t the time to rehash your entire application or summarize your resume. Instead, highlight what’s new, what matters, and what helps make your case even stronger. Aim for around 300 words – tight, impactful, and to the point. Go longer only if you’ve got a genuinely major update (think: national recognition, published research, a patent, not "got JV captain").
You’ll likely be submitting this letter through the BC applicant portal, or possibly by email. If you’ve already been in touch with your regional admissions rep, and they’ve responded previously, you can send it to them directly. Otherwise, stick to the official channel on your portal.
Begin with a respectful, straightforward greeting. If you know the name of your regional counselor, use it. If not, “Dear Boston College Admissions Committee” works just fine. Within the first few lines, be clear: Boston College is still your number one, and if admitted, you would enthusiastically enroll. Say that directly. Because now that your Early Decision application has rolled into the Regular Decision pool, BC no longer has a guaranteed yield from you, they need to know you're still all in.
The heart of the letter should highlight a few key developments since your original application. Maybe it’s academic, like an award, a big project, a major paper, or maybe it’s something personal that speaks to your growth, leadership, or initiative. Pick 2–3 of the strongest examples. You don’t need to list everything, just what adds the most value.
Close with another direct statement about your commitment to BC, a brief thank-you, and a polished sign-off. Keep the tone positive and professional. You’re not begging – you’re reinforcing enthusiasm and showing continued momentum. You’ve already submitted a strong application. This is just the follow-through.
Step Five: Wait
We know, this is the hardest part. You’ve done everything right, but now all that’s left is…waiting. Resist the urge to send multiple updates or stalk the admissions office. One well-crafted letter is enough.
At this point, you’ve submitted strong RD applications, taken a second look at your essays, and sent BC a smart, well-timed update. That’s all you can control.
Now take a breath. You’ll get your final decision when RD acceptances go out, and until then, keep showing up for your classes, staying engaged in your extracurriculars, and taking care of yourself. You’ve done your part – now it’s up to them. You got this!
We can help you bounce back from a deferral or rejection. Reach out to us today to learn more.