We know this wasn’t the decision you were hoping to see. You applied ED to Vanderbilt with a clear commitment, and now you’ve landed in the frustrating in-between zone of deferral. It’s not a rejection, but it’s not the early celebration you were ready for either. If you’re feeling deflated or even a little angry, you’re allowed to feel that way. Take a second. Then let’s figure out your next move.
First, remember: a deferral is not a judgment of your worth or abilities. It’s simply a reflection of just how selective Vanderbilt has become. Early Decision is still the most strategic round to apply in, but even there, thousands of high-achieving students compete for limited space. While Vanderbilt doesn’t share exact statistics on how many deferred applicants are later admitted, we know it’s possible, and we’ve seen it happen.
Your ED deferral moves you into the Regular Decision pool, which will be even more competitive. That’s not to discourage you — it’s to emphasize how important your next steps are. You’ve still got agency here, and we’re going to help you use it. Now, let’s talk strategy.
Step One: Double-Check Your College List
If your entire college plan hinged on Vanderbilt, now’s the time to diversify. Reopen your list and ask the tough questions: Do you have a mix of reaches, targets, and safeties? Are you genuinely excited about all of them? Do they offer academic programs and campus communities that resonate with your goals?
If you were attracted to Vanderbilt’s mix of rigorous academics, collaborative culture, and lively social scene, think about other schools with similar profiles. Emory, Rice, WashU, Tufts, Tulane, or even public universities in other bustling cities might be a good match. If you were drawn to something specific, like their economics program, music offerings, or healthcare programs, find schools that check those same boxes in a different context.
Once you’ve built a list that feels right, it’s time to polish those applications. Need help with supplements? We’ve got resources on our blog.
Step Two: Revisit Your Common App
Now that you've had some distance from your initial application, take a moment to reassess your Common App essay. Does it still represent you in the way you want to be seen now? Is it insightful, distinctive, and genuinely personal – or does it blend in with thousands of others?
Many students fall back on overused topics: a tough season, a big win or loss, a travel experience that shifted their worldview. Those stories don’t automatically mean horrible essays, but they’re not necessarily memorable. At this point, being “fine” isn’t enough to move the needle. You want your essay to reveal something real and true to you.
Ask yourself: Is this story uniquely mine? Does it add context that doesn’t show up in my activities list? Can someone who doesn’t know me understand what makes me tick? If the answer is “not really,” you still have time to adjust. That might mean rewriting a few sections or starting from scratch with a more meaningful narrative.
We often suggest Prompt #7 (“share an essay on any topic of your choice”) because of its flexibility – but great essays can come from any of the Common App prompts. The point isn’t the question. It’s the story. So instead of trying to impress, try to connect. Let readers walk alongside you through a specific moment or lens and let that speak for itself.
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, you’ve got your hands full. Regular Decision deadlines are approaching quickly, and it’s time to focus.
Start by giving your Common App one last polish. Not just the essay part, either. Make sure your activities section reads clearly and powerfully – and prioritize the work that reflects your academic interests and leadership. If anything’s changed since you first applied (a new award, a role advancement, a notable project), now’s the time to include it.
Then, move on to your supplemental essays. These often make the biggest impact, since they show how well you understand the school and how you see yourself fitting into their community. Think about the “why us” and “community” prompts with intention: reference specific classes, traditions, initiatives, or communities. If you wrote a great Vanderbilt essay, you can use that same structure elsewhere, but tailor it to each school’s language and priorities.
Only once your other applications are done should you return to your deferral. That’s when you’ll be in the right headspace to write your LOCI (letter of continued interest) with clarity and purpose.
Step Four: Update
Vanderbilt has very little about deferrals on their website:
“Yes, Vanderbilt may defer an Early Decision application. This means that the application will be considered within the Regular Decision application pool. Students applying through either Early Decision I or II may be deferred to Regular Decision. A defer to Regular Decision indicates that the application may be competitive for admission in the Regular Decision pool. Students who have been deferred to Regular Decision are released from the binding nature of the Early Decision application. Students who are deferred to Regular Decision should ask their school counselor to submit their first semester (or second trimester) grades once the grades are available.”
Unhelpful! But, from experience, we know what you need to do. Talk to your school counselor, as you may need to gather a few things to submit:
Mid-Year Report and Mid-Year Transcript
Your school counselor should have this covered, but doesn’t hurt to follow up
Updated Test Scores
If you take a test again and get an improved score, feel free to share
Your deferral letter, a.k.a., the letter of continued interest
The Deferral Letter – Letter of Continued Interest
It’s time to formally reconnect with Vanderbilt, and that starts with a thoughtful letter of continued interest, or LOCI. This is your chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the school, share new developments in your academic or extracurricular life, and show that your commitment hasn’t wavered.
Start with a clear, professional greeting. If you know the name of your regional admissions officer, great. If not, “Dear Vanderbilt Admissions” works perfectly. Your opening should make your intentions unmistakable: you still consider Vanderbilt your top choice, and if admitted, you would absolutely enroll. Since your Early Decision status has shifted to the Regular Decision pool, they need to know your level of interest remains strong. Yield is real, and it matters.
Next, highlight two or three meaningful updates. These could be academic (like a higher GPA, new test scores, or a prestigious award) or personal: maybe you’ve launched an initiative, taken on a new leadership role, or completed an independent project that aligns with your intended major. Focus on updates that strengthen your application and reinforce your intellectual or community-based contributions.
If you don’t have major new achievements, don’t panic. You can still reflect on recent growth or experiences that reaffirm your excitement about joining the Vanderbilt community. Tie them back to specific elements of the school: a program, course, or initiative you’d engage with as a student.
Keep the tone confident and sincere, and avoid filler or repetition. There’s no need to restate your entire application. This is an update, not a recap. If you’ve had prior contact with your regional officer, you can follow up to let them know you’ve uploaded your letter. Otherwise, submitting through the portal is standard and appropriate.
Wrap up with gratitude, a second confirmation of your interest, and a professional close. Keep it around 300-400 words and feel confident in your update letter! You don’t need to send more than this.
Step Five: Wait
The waiting game isn’t easy, especially after months of planning, effort, and hope. But once your LOCI is submitted and your RD applications are in, take a breath. It’s tempting to refresh your inbox every hour or come up with reasons to send one more message. Resist the urge!
One solid, strategic update is all you need. Anything beyond that starts to feel forced. Your job now is to stay engaged, keep doing your best in and out of the classroom, and let the process play out.
You’ve already shown Vanderbilt what you’re capable of. Now give them time to revisit your application with fresh eyes and give yourself space to focus on what comes next. You’ve got this!
We can help you bounce back from a deferral or rejection. Reach out to us today to learn more.