Navigating the Princeton Deferral Process: Tips and Strategies for Success
While Princeton did not release its admissions statistics in 2021, it is safe to assume that if you were deferred from Princeton this year, you are not alone. Ivy League schools and other high-caliber universities tend to defer most students who apply early, leading to frustration and uncertainty for applicants.
In the event of a deferral, it is discouraged to contact an admissions staff member directly or bombard them with inquiries about why you were not accepted. Such action may be perceived as pushy or even harassing, as decisions are made by a committee rather than an individual. They do, however, let you update them with “significant changes since you initially applied” through their Applicant Portal.
We can look directly at Princeton’s website to see what they say about their deferral process:
DO I NEED TO COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE ADMISSION STAFF MEMBER WHO READ MY FILE ABOUT MY DEFERRAL?
No. Our decisions are made by a committee of admission officers, and no single individual is responsible for shaping the outcome of an application. We ask that you update us through the Applicant Portal with significant changes since you initially applied, but it is unnecessary to reach out to a particular individual.
IF I WAS DEFERRED, IS THERE STILL A CHANCE THAT I CAN BE ADMITTED?
Yes. 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.
IF I WAS DEFERRED, WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY CHANCES OF ADMISSION?
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.
WHY WAS MY APPLICATION DEFERRED?
Many strong applicants are deferred and reconsidered in context of the regular decision pool, with the additional information provided by mid-year grades. There is no advantage to apply early action to Princeton and competition for early admission to Princeton is especially rigorous.
If you do have significant changes to report, such as an internship or leadership position, this is an opportunity to demonstrate your continued interest in the school and potentially catch the attention of the admissions committee. However, if you do not have any significant updates, it is not recommended to send in anything that will not impress the committee.
It is also important to reassess your college application strategy after being deferred. While it can be frustrating not knowing exactly why you were deferred, it is important to remember that you still have qualities that the admissions committee finds attractive. Instead of getting discouraged, consider adding a few more target schools to your list that you would be happy to attend.
Once you have adjusted your college list, it is important to put your nose to the grindstone and focus on your application materials. While it may be tempting to take a break, it is crucial to keep working and perfecting your supplements for all schools on your list. If you need help, there are resources available to guide you through the process.
In conclusion, being deferred from Princeton is a common occurrence, and there are steps you can take to increase your chances of being accepted during the regular decision round. By following instructions, reassessing your college list, and focusing on your application materials, you can improve your chances of success. Remember to take breaks and practice self-care to maintain a healthy mindset throughout the process.
