The Deferral Rate at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
The University of Pennsylvania, commonly referred to as Penn, is a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its high academic standards and rigorous admissions process. For many students, receiving a deferral letter from Penn can be a disappointing and discouraging experience. However, Penn offers clear guidance on what to do next in the form of an updated deferral info sheet for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Before diving into the specifics of Penn's deferral policy, it's worth noting some relevant statistics. Last year, Penn accepted 1218 students through their Early Decision program, resulting in a 15.6% early acceptance rate. While Penn doesn't disclose its deferral rate, it's likely somewhere in the middle range between nearly zero and 80%. For deferred applicants who are hoping to gain admission through the regular decision cycle, it's worth noting that Penn accepted 16% of deferred applicants in 2018. While this number may have decreased in recent years, it's still possible for deferred applicants to be accepted into Penn.
Penn's deferral info sheet provides valuable insight into how applicants can improve their chances of being accepted. Penn accepts update letters through the Penn Applicant Portal, but it's important to note a few caveats. First, applicants can only submit an update letter once, so it's crucial to take the time to craft a thoughtful and well-written letter. Penn won't review applications again until after regular decision applications are received, so it's not beneficial to turn in an update letter early.
Penn advises that update letters should only be submitted if they "shed new light on your candidacy." In other words, don't waste Penn's time with fluff or irrelevant information. If you don't have a genuine update, it's better not to submit an update letter at all. Penn also requests that update letters be "judicious," meaning they should be no longer than one single-spaced page in size 12 font. It's important to make every word count and avoid rambling or repeating information from your original application.
Additionally, Penn offers the opportunity to submit test scores if they weren't included in the original application. However, it's only worthwhile to do so if your scores are on par with Penn's standards. Mediocre test scores won't benefit your application, so it's better to focus on other ways to improve your candidacy.
While it's understandable that applicants may be disappointed to receive a deferral letter from Penn, it's important to keep things in perspective. Penn is an extremely competitive institution, and being deferred doesn't mean you're not a qualified candidate. It's important to have a balanced college list that includes a mix of target and safety schools, regardless of how exceptional you are as a student. Ivy League schools with acceptance rates below 10% shouldn't be considered target schools, so it's important to broaden your list to include schools that align with your academic and social interests.
Finally, it's important to continue working hard and pushing yourself academically and personally. If there's an opportunity to improve your grades or achieve something meaningful that can be included in your update letter, take advantage of it. Remember, Penn attracts analytical go-getters who like to look before they leap, so use that entrepreneurial drive to showcase your strengths and potential as a future Penn student.
In conclusion, while receiving a deferral letter from Penn can be disappointing, it's not the end of the road. Penn offers clear guidance on what steps to take next, including submitting a thoughtful update letter and broadening your college list to include a mix of target and safety schools. With hard work, determination, and a bit of Penn-worthy entrepreneurial drive, deferred applicants can still have a chance at being accepted into this prestigious institution.
