I got deferred from Harvard. What action should I take now?Answered
It's my top choice and I really wanna attend it. What do you think will help my chances?
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@CameronBameron is absolutely right that you'll want to write a letter of continued interest to both explain that Harvard is still absolutely your first choice and to detail all your recent achievements. Basically, if your application wasn't quite good enough to get you in the first time around, it likely won't be good enough the second time either. However, if you are able to supplement your application with additional extracurricular achievements, continued perfect grades, and/or improved test scores, you may elevate your profile to one that can get you accepted in the RD pool. Extracurricular achievements are the most important things in this situation. Maybe you've completed a project that you had not yet finished back in October, or maybe you attained a new leadership position in a club. Maybe you placed in a competition or received some other sort of official recognition. These sorts of things will make your letter of continued interest stand out. Best of luck!
First, let me say that deferred is pretty good considering how many people were outright rejected.
With regards specifically to Harvard, I would suggest that you write a good letter of continued interest and ask for an interview if you haven't been interviewed already.
I'm sure you thought about why you weren't accepted but the truth is that only about 7.87% got accepted this year 740/9406 vs 7.37% last year. If you consider a 85% yield rate then, 629 will matriculate. I think they will only make room for 1850 total since there are fewer in the Class of '26 that took a previous gap year last year. That leaves about 1221 spots. Based on fewer SCREA applicants, I think there are 44150 left to review for RD, and they will accept about 1450 max for RD, for an RD admit rate of 3.2%
I'm sharing this because there isn't much you can do to your application to change the odds.
As a matter of practicality, I think most people would suggest that you refine your RD college list and make sure you have at least 2 schools that you'd like to attend on that list where you can actually see yourself being happy and thriving.
Since about 40% of Harvard's matriculation is from ALDCs applicants, I think it's important to have a good plan B or plan C.
First of all: Don't give up hope.
I found an excellent source showing exactly what they're doing and what you should do. Here it is:
Also, as much as you want to go there, be prepared with a backup plan. Even if you don't get in, I'm sure you'll be able to get into another great school.
Good luck!
hey!
I was wondering if you did get accepted or not.
Even though it is your top choice, don't look at it as your only choice. Keep your options open and don't give up hope!
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