If your college-bound senior has been deferred by their college of choice, it can be incredibly frustrating and disappointing. After all the hard work they’ve put into college prep, test scores, essays, and applications, a deferral can feel like a punch in the gut.

But don't despair! There are some steps you can take to help them navigate this situation. First and foremost, encourage your student to stay positive and keep their college dreams alive. Although a deferral may seem like rejection, it doesn't necessarily mean they won't get accepted later. In fact, college admissions officers recognize that students have much more time to improve grades or test scores during their senior year than before submitting an application.

Next, it’s important to find out why they were deferred. After they've reviewed the college's notification, have them talk to college counselors or admissions officers at their college of choice. This will give them an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances surrounding their application and ask what steps can be taken in order for them to be accepted in the future.

In some cases, students may consider writing an appeal letter outlining why they should be reconsidered for admission. This can work well if there was a misunderstanding about the type of student an individual is or if new information has become available that wasn't part of the original college application.

Finally, encourage your senior to apply elsewhere as well - even if they remain hopeful of being accepted at their college of choice. The college application process can be lengthy, so the sooner they start submitting applications, the better. Additionally, applying to other schools will give them more options and may provide a silver lining to the college admissions process - even if their college of choice eventually accepts them.

Getting deferred in college admissions is undoubtedly a difficult experience for any student. But with your support and guidance, you can help your senior get through this challenging time and onto the next phase of their college journey.