Does Yale defer many early action applicants?

I’m applying to Yale early action and anxious about potentially being deferred. Is this a common experience for applicants? Any advice on how to handle a deferral?

Deferral from Early Action is indeed a common experience at Yale, given its selective and competitive nature. While the exact percent of students deferred can vary from year to year, a significant proportion of Early Action applicants find themselves deferred to Regular Decision.

The best way to handle a deferral is to be proactive. Firstly, a deferral is not a rejection—it means that the admissions committee sees some potential in your application and wants to consider it again in the context of the full applicant pool.

Between the deferral and the Regular Decision deadline, continue to excel in your academics and extracurricular activities. Maintaining strong grades and demonstrating commitment and leadership in your activities can improve your chances in Regular Decision.

Consider updating Yale with any significant developments or achievements since your original submission. This can be academic (like stellar first-semester senior year grades), extracurricular (like a new leadership role or a notable achievement), or any other area you feel would augment your application.

Lastly, feel free to express your sustained interest in Yale. A follow-up letter or email restating your interest and passion for the school can show that Yale remains a top choice for you. But be concise, respectful, and professional.

Remember, deferral is not the end of the road. Plenty of students have gone on from deferral to be accepted in Regular Decision. Good luck!