Dec 6, 2025
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By Justin Neiman, Former Admissions Officer
If you applied Early Decision or Early Action to Northeastern and were deferred, don’t panic. A deferral doesn’t mean you’re out — it means your application will be reconsidered in the Regular Decision pool. Here’s what that means and what you can do next.
If you applied ED or EA at Northeastern, the admissions committee may decide to:
• Accept you
• Defer your application to Regular Decision
• Deny admission
A deferral means your application will be reviewed again during the main Regular Decision round.
Northeastern’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 5.65%.
The estimated Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 (ED I + ED II combined) was approximately 43.05%.
Northeastern allows applicants to submit a concise update through the applicant portal. In your LOCI, you should:
• Reaffirm your interest in Northeastern
• Explain why it remains a top choice
• Highlight meaningful achievements since submitting your application
Keep it specific, positive, and focused on new information.
You may upload relevant updates through your portal, such as:
• Academic awards or recognition
• New or improved test scores (optional)
• Progress on research, creative projects, or competitions
• Leadership roles that have expanded since applying
Avoid sending extra materials that are not requested.
Northeastern reviews mid-year transcripts for deferred applicants. Strong senior-year grades can strengthen your file during Regular Decision.
A deferral from Northeastern is not a rejection — but it’s not a guarantee. Use this time to:
• Refine essays and supplemental questions
• Update your activities section with recent accomplishments
• Ensure your college list includes reach, match, and likely schools
Use the extra time before January deadlines to put your strongest work forward.
A deferral gives you another chance. Many students are ultimately admitted during Regular Decision after improving their applications and demonstrating continued interest.
If you’d like support with your LOCI or your Regular Decision applications, feel free to reach out.
If you applied Early Decision or Early Action to Northeastern and were deferred, don’t panic. A deferral doesn’t mean you’re out — it means your application will be reconsidered in the Regular Decision pool. Here’s what that means and what you can do next.
If you applied ED or EA at Northeastern, the admissions committee may decide to:
• Accept you
• Defer your application to Regular Decision
• Deny admission
A deferral means your application will be reviewed again during the main Regular Decision round.
Northeastern’s overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 5.65%.
The estimated Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 (ED I + ED II combined) was approximately 43.05%.
Northeastern allows applicants to submit a concise update through the applicant portal. In your LOCI, you should:
• Reaffirm your interest in Northeastern
• Explain why it remains a top choice
• Highlight meaningful achievements since submitting your application
Keep it specific, positive, and focused on new information.
You may upload relevant updates through your portal, such as:
• Academic awards or recognition
• New or improved test scores (optional)
• Progress on research, creative projects, or competitions
• Leadership roles that have expanded since applying
Avoid sending extra materials that are not requested.
Northeastern reviews mid-year transcripts for deferred applicants. Strong senior-year grades can strengthen your file during Regular Decision.
A deferral from Northeastern is not a rejection — but it’s not a guarantee. Use this time to:
• Refine essays and supplemental questions
• Update your activities section with recent accomplishments
• Ensure your college list includes reach, match, and likely schools
Use the extra time before January deadlines to put your strongest work forward.
A deferral gives you another chance. Many students are ultimately admitted during Regular Decision after improving their applications and demonstrating continued interest.
If you’d like support with your LOCI or your Regular Decision applications, feel free to reach out.
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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