Rutgers Deferral to Regular Decision Advice

I was deferred to regular decision at Rutgers and I'm not quite sure what to do next. Should I send any additional information to strengthen my application? Also, how does this deferral impact my chances of getting admitted?

Being deferred to regular decision can be disheartening, but it is definitely not a rejection. It just means that Rutgers wants a little more time to assess your profile against the entire applicant pool. Here's a little guidance on next steps:

1. Stay Positive: It's important to maintain a positive outlook. You are still very much in the race for a spot at Rutgers. Continue to work hard in your senior year to maintain or even improve your grades.

2. Update Your Application: If you've had any significant accomplishments or updates since you submitted your application, it may be beneficial to communicate them. You could write a letter to the admissions committee informing them about any new achievements, such as a drastic improvement in grades or an award. However, before doing this, you should check Rutgers' policy on application updates, as some schools prefer not to receive additional information.

3. Show Interest: Communicate to Rutgers your continued interest in their school. This could simply be a written note expressing your strong desire to attend Rutgers and why you believe you'll be a good fit.

4. Plan B: While you wait for Rutgers' final decision, it's essential to keep your options open. If you haven't already, apply to other colleges that are a good match for your skills and interests.

In terms of how a deferral impacts the likelihood of admission, it really varies by the school and the pool of applicants. Being deferred does not harm or enhance your chances of admission. Your application will just be evaluated again during the Regular Decision process. The good news is that Rutgers still considers you a viable candidate, so don't be too discouraged! Good luck.