Deferred from Yale

I just need some reassurance. I know it’s not the end of the world and that there are other schools, I have already accepted that it’s very Kiley I won’t get in. But I still want some positive reassurance.

Many very, very strong students get rejected by Yale every year.

Decades ago for graduate school I was rejected by my first choice (Cornell). I went to my second choice and loved it. I also did very well. Being rejected by Cornell has never had any negative impact on my life at all, and actually worked out really well.

You too will rise above this. There are a lot of universities where you can get an excellent undergraduate education.

Thank you, I needed that. I was accepted at U Michigan, so I know I will go to a good school, but I was definitely disappointed by the Yale decision.

It is natural to be disappointed. Try to think of the deferral as a nice no. Send in a letter of continued interest and updates on any new accolades then put Yale in the rear view mirror. Now is the time to focus on your other applications. If you are admitted after being deferred, it will be a pleasant surprise. You have a great school in your back pocket in Michigan. If you have not submitted all your applications, sharpen up your applications to other schools that have the things you liked about Yale, such as the residential college system etc. My daughter was also deferred from Yale but was admitted to Rice which was (then) her second choice. She was disappointed for a few days about Yale, but then turned the page and plunged into completing her other applications. She loves Rice. Now she is glad she was not admitted to Yale because she ended up at the best fit school for her. She had several friends that were also deferred from Yale that were admitted to other great schools like Stanford, Brown, etc. It all works out in the end.

Congrats on your acceptance to Michigan!!!

This deferral, while it may momentarily sting, does not in any way define you in any way. You will be going to college. You have a great choice. You will do amazing things.