What to Do if You’re Deferred from Harvard

If you just received disappointing news from Harvard University, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Restrictive Early Action applicants receive news of their deferral to Harvard University’s Regular Decision round. Luckily for you, there are some steps you can take to increase your chances of admission in the Regular Decision round. 

1. Take Solace in the Data

Last year, Harvard accepted just 8.74% of Restrictive Early Action applicants, while 83.06% of applicants were deferred and 7.70% of applicants were denied admission. These percentages do not fluctuate much from year to year and go to show that deferred applicants are definitely in the majority.

2. Remember: There Is More Than One Pathway to Success

We know this is not the news you were hoping for, but it’s still an accomplishment to be deferred! Moreover, there is no one school, internship, or job that is going to lead you to success. That’s the great thing about life: we’re in the driver’s seat, and there are more roads available to us with every turn.

3. Sign Up for a Deferral Review with College Essay Advisors

You may be racking your brain, wondering where it all went wrong. That’s where we come in. When you sign up for a Deferral Review, the experts at College Essay Advisors will review your application essays to help you understand the ways in which your application could’ve been stronger. The bad news is that, like Cher, we can’t turn back time and help you improve your essays before hitting submit months ago. The good news is that we can help you transform your writing in time to submit stellar applications to the remaining schools on your list.

We can also help you write a deferral letter that will have admissions officers kicking themselves, wondering why they didn’t admit you the first time around. Your personal CEA Advisor will help you draft a letter that succinctly updates admissions on your recent accomplishments and effectively reconfirms your interest in the institution (“If you accept me, I will attend!”). This letter needs to be concise and compelling in order to give you a leg up on your competition. 

Our years of highly specialized experience empower applicants to write essays and letters that not only stand out, but also increase the likelihood of acceptance. Our success rate speaks for itself, and working with CEA can propel you to make your college dreams a reality.

So, what are you waiting for?! Get in touch to sign up for your Harvard University Deferral Review, and the team at College Essay Advisors will help you get back on the right track.