The announcement of early results is just a month away. These days, conversations with moms I meet on my walks all revolve around that topic.

Everyone is thinking about whether they will be accepted or rejected, but there's one outcome that is particularly ambiguous and frustrating: being deferred.

Last year, a child I know received a deferral and spent a week in a daze. However, there were only about two weeks left until the regular decision deadline.

So this time, I want to talk about preparing a Plan B before the results come out. I tend to be the type who doesn't let go once I ask a question, so I feel more comfortable preparing in advance.

First, let's clarify what a deferral means. It means that you are neither accepted nor rejected in the early round, but rather your application is passed on to the regular decision pool for further consideration.

Since it's not a rejection, there is still an opportunity. However, you should be aware that many times it ends up being a false hope.

Looking at schools like MIT that disclose the number of acceptances after deferrals, the acceptance rate for deferred applicants in the regular decision round was in the low single digits. Most schools do not disclose such statistics at all.

So if you receive a deferral, there are only two paths to take. One is to make a final appeal to that school, and the other is to thoroughly complete applications to other schools.

Let's start with the first path. Reading the deferral notice all the way through is the first step.

Each school has different requirements. Some schools clearly state not to send additional materials. Sending a letter to such schools would make you look like someone who didn't read the instructions.

Conversely, some schools have specific forms to fill out. The University of Michigan has a form called the Expression of Continued Interest, and UVA uses its own deferral form to substitute for a continued interest letter.

If the school accepts letters, you should prepare what is known as a LOCI, or letter of continued interest. The key is to keep it short and only include new developments since you submitted your application.

Awards, new leadership roles, and improved grades should be included here. Repeating what was already in your application is a waste of time. Admission officers are busy, and if they have to turn the page, their focus may wane.

If that school is truly your top choice, you can state that you will enroll if accepted. However, only do this if you mean it. Whether a deferred early applicant retains any binding commitment when switched to regular decision varies by school, so be sure to check the notice.

Sending additional recommendation letters or resubmitting test scores varies by school. Many schools advise only submitting scores if they have definitely improved.

Surprisingly, a significant factor is the first semester grades of 12th grade. Typically, counselors send mid-term grade reports around January, and deferred students should expect this report to be reviewed again.

Since it's mid-November now, there is still time to raise those grades before finals. The real preparation for dealing with deferrals starts with these grades.

Now, onto the second path. I believe this one is much more important.

Early results usually come out around mid-December. However, many schools have regular decision deadlines on January 1st. If you start writing essays after seeing the results, you'll be pulling all-nighters throughout the holiday season.

Therefore, I recommend finishing drafts of additional essays for regular decision schools before December. If you get accepted, you don't have to submit them, and if deferred, you can submit them right away.

Another card to consider is Early Decision II. With a deadline in January, it's a second early option where you can make a decision based on early results.

ED II also has the same binding commitment as the first round. If accepted, you must attend that school and withdraw all other applications.

Deadlines vary by school. Emory has posted that the ED II deadline is January 1st, with results announced on February 15th. Wake Forest also had its ED II and regular decision deadlines on January 1st last season.

There are quite a few schools that set their ED II deadlines for mid-January. So, be sure to check the deadlines for your schools directly on their admissions websites.

The important thing is to decide in advance whether to continue holding onto the deferred school or to fully commit to another school through ED II. Making a decision based on emotions on the day results come out can lead to regret.

You should also consider financial aid. Since ED II is binding, check the school's tuition calculator on their website to see if you can afford it.

Lastly, managing your emotions is crucial. A deferral is not a failure; it's a pending decision. It's the parents' role to support their child so they don't blame themselves and fall apart.

The bulldog I raise never lets go of a toy once he grabs it. I think that kind of persistence is enough for college admissions.

In summary, here's what to do: Check the instructions in the deferral notice. Keep letters short and focused on new updates.

Maintain your first semester grades. Finish drafts of regular decision essays before December. Decide on ED II in advance.

If it were me, I would stick this list on the dining table over the weekend before the results come out. It's much better to sweat it out in November than to scramble in December.