By Justin Neiman‍, former Ivy League Admissions Officer

‍Deferred from Princeton

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As a former Admissions Officer, I often hear from students and parents about their deferral experiences. While everyone hopes for an acceptance letter, the reality is that only a small percentage of Early Action applicants are admitted. Gaining acceptance through Early Action can be even more challenging than through binding Early Decision. Unlike Early Decision, Early Action is non-binding, meaning students are free to apply to other colleges during Regular Decision. This flexibility attracts a larger applicant pool, making Early Action even more competitive.

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To add to the complexity, Princeton has stopped releasing its Early Action acceptance statistics in recent years. The last publicly available data, from the Class of 2024, showed an Early Action acceptance rate of 15.8%.

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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. Here’s what you need to know:

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3 Early Action Outcomes at Princeton

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

1. Admitted
2. Deferred
3. Rejected

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What Does Deferred Mean?

Princeton’s official statement on deferrals explains:

“If you are deferred, your application will automatically be rolled over into our regular decision process and considered again in the context of that pool. In recent years, a small number of applicants who were deferred have been subsequently admitted during the regular decision process.”

In practical terms, your application is still under consideration. The admissions committee wasn’t ready to offer you a spot but wants to review your candidacy alongside the full Regular Decision pool. Your application will undergo another evaluation.

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How Can You Improve Your Chances of Admission?

According to Princeton’s Admissions Office:

“If you submitted all of the required components of your application, we have everything we need for consideration. If you have a significant update, you may add the new information to your file through the applicant portal or by email to uaoffice@princeton.edu.”

This means Princeton already has what they need, but any significant new achievements or updates since you applied can help. Here’s what to focus on:

1. Submit a Letter of Continued Interest
   Reiterate your strong interest in attending Princeton. If Princeton 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 Princeton 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:

“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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