Why do schools defer students?

If you've been deferred, usually it's because the college wants to see how your application compares with applications submitted by students applying regular decision.

Why do schools defer people?

A student is deferred when they've applied through Early Action or Early Decision and college admissions officers decide that there isn't enough information or context to grant them a full acceptance. Rather than reject the student, the application is essentially put on pause until the regular decision admission cycle.

Do deferred students get accepted?

Some estimates say that most colleges will accept at least 5-10% of deferred students in regular decision pools. Others estimate that the deferral acceptance rate is often approximately equal to the regular decision acceptance rate. However, these estimates are overarching and don't apply to all schools.

Is getting deferred a good thing?

You might feel like you've been rejected if you receive a deferral, but all it means is that your application will be reviewed again in the Regular Decision round. There is nothing wrong with your application, but you may need to submit more information to the admissions committee.

Does a deferral mean rejection?

Colleges defer students because they are not ready to make a final decision, may have had a large number of early applications or may expect a large number of applications in the Regular Decision round and want to keep spots open for the right candidates. It does not mean an automatic rejection at all.

Why Do Colleges Defer Students

Is it harder to get accepted after being deferred?

Is one's chances better after being deferred or waitlisted? An applicant's overall chances are similar after being deferred or waitlisted. About 10% of deferred applicants and about 10% of waitlisted applicants ultimately get in.

What to do when you get deferred?

How common is it to get in after being deferred?

There are estimates that colleges will accept between 5-10% of deferred students during regular decision, but it really depends on the school. The more selective the school, the less likely a deferral turns into an acceptance.

Why are so many people getting deferred?

There are a number of reasons why a student applying Early Decision or Early Action might have been deferred to the regular round. Many times, it's to encourage students to provide additional materials, like final semester grades, in order to see what else that student has been doing during their senior year.

Does getting deferred hurt your chances?

Being deferred from college doesn't mean you've been denied acceptance. Being waitlisted means you are on a list reserve because spots are filled. Very selective colleges defer as many as 70-80% of early applicants. If you take important steps, you still have a chance for admissions.

Do colleges defer overqualified students?

While there is some anecdotal evidence that overqualified students get rejected, these students aren't usually turned down because of their better-than-average grades or test scores. Most likely, the overqualified student isn't the right fit for a school or they haven't shown enough interest to admission officers.

Is it better to be deferred or waitlisted?

In general, you can assume that your odds are better if you've been deferred rather than waitlisted. Deferred students are reconsidered during the regular decision round and should have about the same chance as other regular decision applicants.

What are the chances of getting into Harvard after being deferred?

Historically, about 10% of students who Harvard defers ultimately earn admission in Regular Decision. While this data point can vary from year to year, it's rarely released by the school. But, over the years, Ivy Coach's sources in Harvard's admissions office have confirmed that 10% is the general rule of thumb.

What are the best reasons to defer?

Is getting deferred from an Ivy good?

A deferral is simply an indication that the admissions committee intends to evaluate your application in the regular decision round—your hopes of attending your dream school may still be realized.

Why do colleges defer Early Action?

A student who applies through either early action or early decision is deferred when a college determines that the student has potential but they want to see first semester senior grades to confirm. So without sounding overly Pollyana-ish, being deferred gives a student a second chance to impress the admissions office.

How do you increase chances after being deferred?

How can I increase my chances of getting deferred?

How many got deferred from Harvard?

Seventy-eight percent of early applicants were deferred. Only 9.5% were denied. It was harder, in the 2022-2023 application cycle, to be denied from Harvard Early Action than it was to be deferred.

Do deferred students have a higher chance?

SILVER LINING. Unfortunately, schools ultimately don't accept many of the students they defer. As a rule of thumb, most schools accept only 5-10 percent of deferred students. And though early round admission rates are much better than regular they are still extremely competitive.

Why does Harvard defer so many applicants?

When you apply in the early action pool, Harvard will deny, defer, or accept your application. Getting “deferred” just means that Harvard still thinks you're pretty neat-o and wants to look at your application again during the regular decision pool.

Can you get scholarship after being deferred?

Taking a gap year before college does not affect your ability to apply for financial aid in the future. Merit-based scholarships generally do not change if you defer your enrollment a year. Need-based grants and scholarships tend to only be affected if your family's financial situation changes during your gap year.

How do you write a letter to colleges after being deferred?

​​How to format a letter of continued interest

First, begin with “Dear [the name of the college admissions officer you are writing to].” Then, thank them for their consideration. Explain that you are still interested in attending their school and that this school is your first choice.

Do I have to reapply after deferral?

As a deferred applicant, you will usually be reevaluated with the Regular Decision applicants automatically. Some schools may ask that you submit more information or a letter stating your continued interest in the school. Make sure you read the deferral letter very carefully so you can follow all instructions!

How do you respond to a deferral letter?

Don't overwhelm them with letters. One letter (or maybe two) from someone who knows you well is all you need. Additionally, you should also include in your message a statement of why you are so interested in attending that institution and reaffirm your commitment to enroll if admitted.