Deferred Advice

<p>I’ve been deferred from Barnard and I don’t know if I should apply to Mount Holyoke during their ED II or if I should wait until RD so I can find out about both together.</p>

<p>Barnard is very selective and Mount Holyoke is normally selective. However, everyone knows that it shows a lot of interest when you apply ED and I don’t really want to test my chances with Mount Holyoke only to find I’ve been rejected from both.</p>

<p>I know deferral admits are super rare but if I’m admitted during ED to my Mount Holyoke, I will never know if I was going to get into my Barnard. And that will kill me.</p>

<p>Do I take that chance or do I play it safe and apply ED to MH?</p>

<p>Anybody? Bump.</p>

<p>I know this is not the result you wanted, I’m sorry. It is so stressful these days, the number of seats available has not increased over the decades but the applicant pool certainly has. According to the admissions office, you are DEFINITELY still a strong candidate, but the next step to further your position is yours and should be taken carefully and with great deliberation. A letter from you will be the single biggest asset to your file. It should address your strengths and weaknesses and add anything that might enhance your chances. Perhaps they have questions about your current performance and want to see how you finish out senior year. So, keep the grades up. Another letter of recommendation can also be added to your file, perhaps you know a Barnard alum who could write one. Or a teacher who has a different perspective on your abilities. They will look favorably at that. Could your tests scores be strengthened by retaking in December or January? If you choose January you will need to contact them about that because they prefer December but will probably accept them. Good Luck! Remember, this is in your hands and simply doing nothing will almost certainly result in a rejection. You can do this!</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice! I think I’m just going to wait for Barnard’s decision.</p>

@frohawking Hey! I’m curious as to what happened with you deferral from Barnard. I just got deferred today and I am curious as to see how it worked out for other people who were in the same boat.