<p>mdprepkid-- i really don’t think they deferred you to “cushion the blow”. in fact i think it’s kinder to cut an applicant loose earlier rather than later so they have time to pursue other options. I think you likely have someone on your side pulling for you as a “trailblazer” and they kept you on the list of possibles so their office can contemplate your case longer. Good luck, but prepare youself for the fact that it might not work out at UC.</p>