Deferred- What next?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

<p>I, like many others, was deferred from Brown ED. I was wondering what advice people have to offer? </p>

<p>Brown is still, without a doubt, my number one school. It just seems unlikely that I’ll be accepted Regular Decision. ED was my best shot and I can’t see much changing in the way of my accomplishments. I know I did everything I could to make my application as strong as possible and it ultimately comes down to the applicant pool. This whole process is so unpredictable. </p>

<p>I have the option to apply ED2 to a school that I used to feel really passionate about. After applying ED to Brown, though, I find myself less enthusiastic. I know that, given the chance, I would accept Brown’s acceptance in a heartbeat. Should I wait on the deferral (very unlikely) or apply ED2? (I’m worried if I wait for Regular Decision, I’ll be denied from both. It’s not the worst thing in the world, seeing as how I like all the schools on my list.) </p>

<p>Ultimately, I have to make a decision in the next few days. Any advice anyone could offer would be extremely helpful. All I can do about the deferral is send them a letter and any accomplishments. I’d love to use that opportunity to really fight for myself, while not annoying them.</p>

<p>Again, I’d love any input!</p>

2

<p>It’s a fallacy that “ED was my best shot.” It is a myth that “weaker” students are accepted ED. Many ED accepted students are athletes, which distorts the acceptance rate. Brown says that it’s strongest applicants apply early, so you are actually competing against the best.</p>

<p>That said, the acceptance rate for RD at Brown will be less than 9 percent this year, so just on statistics alone it will be tough for you (and everyone else) to get in.</p>

<p>I know it’s hard to believe this, but there is no “one perfect college” – you really can be happy at more than one school. </p>

<p>I suggest you look very closely at how ED II works at this other college. Is the acceptance rate higher than regular decision? Is there really an advantage to applying ED II? Don’t assume it’s an advantage – at many schools, it isn’t.</p>

<p>Is financial aid an issue? </p>

<p>If you truly like all the schools on your list, then why not just stick with RD? Then you won’t have any regrets. </p>

<p>There is no “right” answer here. Either way you go, you’ve made the right decision. Chances are, next year you’ll be a college you’ll love.</p>