Dartmouth Early Decision Deferral

If you applied Early Decision to Dartmouth and were deferred, congratulations — it doesn’t mean “no,” it means “not yet.” Being deferred means your application remains alive and will be reconsidered in the Regular Decision pool. Here’s what you should know as you move forward.

What Are the Possible Outcomes at Dartmouth ED?

If you applied ED to Dartmouth this cycle, there are three possible results:

• Accepted under Early Decision
• Deferred to Regular Decision
• Denied

How Selective is Dartmouth’s Early Decision?

For the Class of 2028, Dartmouth reported roughly 31,656 total applicants and about 1,710 admits — an overall acceptance rate of 5.4%.

More specifically, for the class of 2028, candidates admitted under ED numbered 606 out of 3,550 ED applications — an ED admit rate of 17.07%.

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What Percentage of Early Decision Deferrals are Later Admitted?

5 to 10 percent of candidates deferred from Dartmouth in Early Decision are typically admitted.

What can you do if you are Rejected from Dartmouth Early Decision?

Unfortunately, Dartmouth does not allow students to appeal admissions decisions. A rejection is final. However, you can apply again next year if you choose to. The best thing you can do right now is shift your focus to the rest of your college list.

What Being Deferred from Dartmouth Means

According to Dartmouth’s own admissions FAQ, a deferred ED application will be reviewed again during the Regular Decision process. You're welcome to submit an update with recent accomplishments, mid-year grades, and even new test scores if relevant.

Next Steps After a Dartmouth ED Deferral

1. Submit a Letter of Continued Interest/Deferral Letter:
   Reiterate your strong interest in attending Dartmouth. If Dartmouth 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.
   • New test scores.
   • 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 Dartmouth 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 offer some perspective:

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“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.”

How We Can Help

• A detailed review of your Early application to identify any red flags or weaknesses that may have contributed to your deferral
• Personalized advice on crafting an effective Letter of Continued Interest
• Actionable steps to improve your chances of turning a deferral into an acceptance this spring
• Guidance on refining your narrative and overall admissions strategy for RD or ED II

If you’d like support with your LOCI or your Regular Decision applications, feel free to reach out.