Thank you for downloading the College Deferral Defense Guide.
DEFERRED — NOW WHAT?
You now have the complete framework for responding strategically to a deferral. Most families stop here — they read the guide, feel better, and then second-guess every decision between now and April.
But here's what I've seen in 18+ years working with deferred students:
The families who turn deferrals into acceptances don't just have the information — they have a personalized plan.
They know exactly:
- What their student should emphasize in the LOCI (not a generic template)
- Which updates will actually move the needle for their profile
- What to ask the counselor to say — and when
- How to position the student's story in a way that addresses the school's specific concerns
That clarity doesn't come from a guide. It comes from sitting down with someone who's done this hundreds of times and mapping out the strategy that fits your student, your timeline, and your goals.
The College Deferral Strategy Meeting
This is a private, one-on-one session where we take everything in the guide and translate it into an executable plan tailored to your student's application, deferral letter, and college list.
In 60 minutes, we will:
✓ Decode what the deferral actually means for your student
Every school defers for different reasons. We'll interpret the signals in the deferral letter and your student's application so you know exactly what the admissions office is looking for.
✓ Build your student's LOCI from the ground up
Not a template — a strategy. We'll identify what to emphasize, what updates matter, how to demonstrate fit without sounding desperate, and whether your student should commit to enrolling if admitted.
✓ Map out a counselor advocacy plan
Most families don't realize how much weight a counselor's updated recommendation carries. We'll decide what your counselor should say, when they should send it, and how to frame it so it strengthens your student's case without seeming pushy.
✓ Identify which updates to send — and when
Admissions offices want quality, not quantity. We'll filter your student's achievements since applying and decide which updates are strategic, which are noise, and how to time them between now and March.
✓ Protect the rest of your college plan
A deferral doesn't mean your student won't get in — but it does mean you need a strong backup strategy. We'll make sure the rest of your list is solid so that one outcome doesn't define everything.
By the end, you'll walk away with a step-by-step plan through March — not a stack of notes and more questions.
Who This Is For
This meeting is for families who:
- Received a deferral and are committed to a thoughtful, strategic response
- Want clarity on what to do next instead of guessing or relying on conflicting Reddit advice
- Are willing to put in the work but need expert guidance on what actually matter
This is not a panic button. It's not a guarantee. It's a plan.
Since 2012, I've helped over 2,500 students navigate elite admissions — including successful deferral turnarounds at Stanford, Yale, Duke, Brown, MIT, and more. I know what colleges look for after a deferral, and I know how to help your student deliver it.
— Bethany Goldszer, Founder, Stand Out College Prep
Your Student Has More Control Than It Feels Like Right Now
Most deferrals are sent mid-December. Colleges start reviewing regular decision files in February. That gives you 6-8 weeks to strengthen your position — if you act strategically.
A clear plan turns a deferral into an opportunity.
Most families don’t realize that colleges begin reviewing Regular Decision files in February,
and students who take thoughtful steps now stand out.
What Happens Next
1. Choose your session time using the calendar below.
2. You'll receive a confirmation email with a short prep form (optional but helpful)
3. We meet via Zoom — come prepared with your deferral letter, student's application materials, and any questions.
4. You leave with a clear, written action plan and the confidence to execute it
You don't need to have everything figured out before we talk. That's what the session is for.
Investment: $297 for 60 minutes
(If you worked with me during the application process, this session is included in your package, unless you're billed hourly)
Still Not Sure?
"We had no idea how much a strong LOCI could change things. Bethany helped our daughter reposition her entire application. She was admitted in March with merit aid."
— Parent of Stanford admit, deferred EA
"Bethany gave us a plan when we were spiraling. We stopped guessing and finally knew what to do. Our son got in."
— Parent of Duke admit, deferred ED
"The counselor advocacy piece was huge. Bethany told us exactly what to ask for, and our counselor's follow-up letter made a real difference."
— Parent of Brown admit, deferred EA
Book Your Session Now
The families who act in the next 7-10 days have the most strategic advantage. Waiting until January means tighter timelines and fewer opportunities to make an impact.
QUESTIONS?
Email me at info@standoutcollegeprep.com
You've already done the hard part — you downloaded the guide, and you're taking this seriously. Now let's make sure your student's strategy is as strong as their application deserves.
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