Historically, approximately 10% of Harvard applicants who are deferred ultimately gain admission to the university. While an exact numerical count fluctuates annually and is not publicly disclosed, this figure represents the historical probability of acceptance for deferred candidates.
Understanding Harvard's Deferred Admission Rate
When an applicant is deferred from Harvard's Early Action round, their application is moved into the Regular Decision pool for further review. This decision is neither an acceptance nor a rejection; rather, it indicates that the admissions committee wishes to re-evaluate the application alongside the larger Regular Decision applicant pool.
The approximately 10% acceptance rate for deferred students highlights the highly competitive nature of Harvard's admissions process, even for those who have already demonstrated a strong profile in the early round. This percentage represents a significant opportunity, albeit a challenging one, for deferred applicants to still secure a spot.
Strategies for Deferred Applicants to Enhance Their Chances
For students who receive a deferred decision, there are proactive steps they can take to strengthen their application for the Regular Decision round. These strategies aim to provide new and compelling reasons for the admissions committee to reconsider their candidacy.
- Send a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI): A concise and thoughtful letter expressing continued enthusiasm for Harvard, reaffirming their commitment, and providing updates on recent achievements.
- Update with New Achievements: Inform the admissions office of any significant academic accomplishments, awards, new leadership roles, or impactful extracurricular activities that have occurred since the initial application submission.
- Maintain Strong Academic Performance: Current academic progress, especially senior year grades, is crucial. Continuing to excel in coursework reinforces an applicant's academic readiness.
- Seek Additional Recommendations (If Permitted): If there's a teacher or mentor who can offer new insights into an applicant's abilities or character that weren't covered in initial recommendations, it might be beneficial to submit an additional letter, provided Harvard's admissions policy allows for it.
- Reflect and Refine: Take this opportunity to reflect on the application and consider if there are any aspects that could be clarified or enhanced through supplemental materials, if allowed by the institution.
- Explore Other Options: While pursuing Harvard remains a goal, it's wise for deferred applicants to continue researching and applying to other colleges to ensure a range of options.
Harvard Admissions: Deferred vs. Regular Decision
Harvard's admissions process is one of the most selective globally. The early action round, which results in deferred decisions, is non-binding, allowing students to apply to other institutions. The Regular Decision round then combines all applicants, including those deferred from Early Action, into a single pool.
The table below illustrates the general likelihood of admission based on application status for highly selective institutions like Harvard:
| Application Status | Historical Chance of Admission (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Deferred | ~10% |
| Regular Decision | Very Low (Overall Acceptance Rate) |
| Early Action (Accepted) | Higher than Regular Decision |
For more details on Harvard's admissions process, you can visit the Harvard Admissions Website.
While the journey for deferred applicants can be challenging, the approximately 10% historical acceptance rate demonstrates that it is still a viable path to admission for a select group of determined and well-qualified students.
