How does being deferred in Regular Decision impact my chances?

I applied somewhere and didn't get in immediately, but was deferred to Regular Decision. I'm curious about what this means for my chances of being admitted later in the process. Any insights or experiences with deferrals?

Being deferred from Early Action or Early Decision to Regular Decision means that the admissions committee has decided to reevaluate your application alongside the pool of Regular Decision applicants.

But here's what's important: being deferred doesn't necessarily decrease your chances of acceptance. In fact, it shows that your application was competitive enough to not be outright rejected in the Early round. Although it can be disheartening not to be accepted right away, a deferral gives you another chance to be considered for admission.

Take this opportunity to provide any updates that might enhance your application, such as improved academic performance, new achievements, or any significant extracurricular accomplishments. Some universities appreciate a letter of continued interest from deferred students, where you express your ongoing interest in the school and highlight any new achievements since your initial application.

Keep in mind, however, that universities have different deferral policies and the number of students accepted from the deferred pool can vary greatly. Researching the specific school's deferral policy and statistics can give you more accurate information regarding your chances.

Stay optimistic! A deferral is not a denial, and many students who were deferred in the Early round have been accepted in the Regular Decision round.