By Justin Neiman, former Ivy League Admissions Officer ‍

Deferred by UPenn

As a former Ivy League Admissions Officer, I often hear from students and parents about their deferral experiences from top universities. While everyone hopes for an acceptance letter, the reality is that only a small percentage of Early Decision applicants are admitted to UPenn every year.

If you've been deferred, I understand how disappointing it can feel. You've poured your heart into your application, and it's natural to feel disheartened. However, a deferral doesn't mean your chances are over.

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3 Early Decision Outcomes at UPenn

If you applied Early Decision to UPenn this fall, there are three possible outcomes:

• You are offered admission.
• You are rejected.
• Your application is deferred to Regular Decision, and you will receive a final decision by early April.

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UPenn Admissions Statistics

UPenn has stopped releasing specific admission stats regarding Early Decision, but there is valuable information available from past admissions cycles. Last year, over 8,500 students applied to Penn Early Decision, but the university did not reveal the number of acceptances, deferrals, and rejections. For the Class of 2026, Penn accepted 15.6% of Early Decision applicants, which is the last data they have released. Penn’s overall admissions rate for the Class of 2028 was 5.4%. Out of 65,235 applicants, 3,508 students were admitted.

In a Spring 2022 FAQ Letter from Admissions for the Class of 2026, UPenn revealed that the Admissions Committee admitted approximately 9.5% of candidates whose applications were deferred to Regular Decision.

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What Can You Do to Improve Your Chances of Admission If Deferred?

1. Submit a Letter of Continued Interest/Deferral Letter:
   Reiterate your strong interest in attending UPenn. If UPenn is still your first choice, let that be known. A letter of continued interest signals that you remain enthusiastic and ready to enroll if accepted.
2. Share Significant Updates:
   There may be relevant updates or new information that have come to light since you first submitted your application in October. Some possible information to share:
   • A major award or recognition.
   • A paper or project that gained new traction or publication opportunities.
   • Leadership roles or community initiatives that have grown significantly.
3. Submit Your Midyear Report:
   Strong grades can strengthen your candidacy. Make sure your midyear transcript reflects your continued academic success.

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‍What About Your Other Applications?

‍Although you can’t change your UPenn materials, you can update applications for other schools. A deferral offers a chance to reassess and make last minute changes before early January deadlines.

• Review your essays: Could your Common App essay be stronger or more compelling? Does it highlight the most important aspects of your candidacy? Are supplemental essays tailored to each school and filled with specific details?
• Revisit your college list: Is it balanced, with a range of target, reach, and safety schools?
• Make strategic updates: Are there additions you can make to your application to increase its competitiveness and quality?

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‍Stay Positive and Focused

‍A deferral is not a rejection—it’s an invitation to stay in the game. Keep excelling academically, remain proactive, and use this as an opportunity to refine your strategy. Remember, many successful students use setbacks as fuel for future success.

I like to share this quote from a past student to just offer some perspective:

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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.”

‍Need Help or Advice?

If you have questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!

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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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