By Justin Neiman, former Ivy League Admissions Officer ‍

Deferred by Columbia

As a former Ivy League Admissions Officer, I often hear from students and parents about their deferral experiences from top universities. While everyone hopes for an acceptance letter, the reality is that only a small percentage of Early Decision applicants are admitted to Columbia every year.

If you've been deferred, I understand how disappointing it can feel. You've poured your heart into your application, and it's natural to feel disheartened. However, a deferral doesn't mean your chances are over.

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Columbia Admissions Statistics

Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science admission rate for the Class of 2028 was 3.85%. The Early Decision Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2028 was 11.9%.

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3 Early Action Outcomes at Columbia

If you applied Early Action to Columbia this fall, there are three possible outcomes:

• You are offered admission.
• You are rejected.
• Your application is deferred to Regular Decision, and you will receive a final decision by early April.

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If You Are Denied Early Decision From Columbia Can You Reapply During Regular Decision?

Unfortunately, Columbia is very clear about this on their website.

“No. If you apply under the Early Decision program and are denied admission, you may not reapply to Columbia College, Columbia Engineering or the School of General Studies again that year.”

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What Can You Do to Improve Your Chances of Admission If Deferred?

1. Submit a Letter of Continued Interest/Deferral Letter:
   Reiterate your strong interest in attending Columbia. If Columbia is still your first choice, let that be known. A letter of continued interest signals that you remain enthusiastic and ready to enroll if accepted.
2. Share Significant Updates:
   There may be relevant updates or new information that have come to light since you first submitted your application in October. Some possible information to share:
   • A major award or recognition.
   • A paper or project that gained new traction or publication opportunities.
   • Leadership roles or community initiatives that have grown significantly.
3. Submit Your Midyear Report:
   Strong grades can strengthen your candidacy. Make sure your midyear transcript reflects your continued academic success.

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‍What About Your Other Applications?

‍Although you can’t change your Columbia materials, you can update applications for other schools. A deferral offers a chance to reassess and make last minute changes before early January deadlines.

• Review your essays: Could your Common App essay be stronger or more compelling? Does it highlight the most important aspects of your candidacy? Are supplemental essays tailored to each school and filled with specific details?
• Revisit your college list: Is it balanced, with a range of target, reach, and safety schools?
• Make strategic updates: Are there additions you can make to your application to increase its competitiveness and quality?

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‍Stay Positive and Focused

‍A deferral is not a rejection—it’s an invitation to stay in the game. Keep excelling academically, remain proactive, and use this as an opportunity to refine your strategy. Remember, many successful students use setbacks as fuel for future success.I like to share this quote from a past student to just offersome perspective:
“If I hadn’t been deferred in the early round, I wouldn’t have realized how much my application needed improvement. I made changes and ended up getting into all of my top schools during regular decision. It was a blessing in disguise.”

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‍Need Help or Advice?

If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!

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‍About the Author

‍Justin Neiman served as an undergraduate admissions officer at Harvard University and as an Assistant Dean at Stanford University. With over a decade of experience working at two of the nation’s most competitive universities, Justin brings a unique understanding of the selective admissions process.

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