By Justin Neiman, Former Ivy League Admissions Officer

Deferred by MIT Early Action

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‍As a former Ivy League Admissions Officer, I often hear from students and parents grappling with the news of deferral from top universities. While an acceptance letter is always the goal, the reality is that Early Action admissions are incredibly competitive—especially at a school like MIT. Last year, only 5.3% of Early Action applicants were admitted. If you've been deferred, you're not alone—and there are steps you can take to strengthen your chances in the Regular Decision round. Let’s break it all down.

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MIT Admissions Data: A Closer Look

MIT provides more transparency than many of its peers when it comes to admissions statistics. For the Class of 2028 (last year’s cycle):

• 12,563 Early Action applications were submitted.
• 8,051 applicants (64%) were deferred, a notably large deferral pool compared to many institutions.
• Of those deferred, 206 students (2.6%) were admitted in the Regular Decision process.

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What Does "Deferred" Mean?‍

If you’re deferred, your application remains in consideration. The admissions committee wasn’t ready to offer you a spot but wants to evaluate your candidacy alongside the Regular Decision pool.

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What Should You Do Next?

Submit the February Updates & Notes (FUN) Form

MIT explicitly outlines what they want in the deferral process:

• Midyear Grades
• New achievements, awards, or activities that occurred after submitting your Early Action application.
• Any significant updates to your circumstances.

If MIT is still your first choice, let that be known. While the Admissions Office may say submitting an update is optional, by submitting information, you are signaling that you remain enthusiastic and ready to enroll if accepted. If you don’t submit anything, it could be assumed that you are no longer interested in MIT and have moved on.

Strengthen Your Regular Decision Applications

A deferral is a second chance to reassess and refine your college applications.

• Review your essays: Ensure your Common App and supplemental essays are compelling and highlight your most important qualities.
• Revisit your college list: Confirm that it’s balanced with reach, target, and safety schools.
• Make strategic updates: If there’s new information or accomplishments to share, update your applications for schools with January deadlines.

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Words of Encouragement‍

Being deferred is not the end of the road—it’s a chance to regroup and come back stronger. Many students find their ultimate success in the Regular Decision round.
One former student shared this reflection:
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"If I hadn’t been deferred in the early round, I wouldn’t have realized how much my application needed improvement. I made changes and ended up getting into all of my top schools during Regular Decision. It was a blessing in disguise."

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Need Guidance?
If you have questions or need help navigating this process, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way!

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About the Author

Justin Neiman served as an undergraduate admissions officer at Harvard University and as an Assistant Dean at Stanford University. With over a decade of experience working at two of the nation’s most competitive universities, Justin brings a unique understanding of the selective admissions process.

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