<p>Could be self-selected poster bias on CC but I don't see much mention of people getting rejected EA to Caltech. So is Caltech more like Stanford, in that it rejects most early applicants (not just the ones who outright don't stand a chance) or Yale, in that it defers most early applicants (who are within reasonable range)?</p>
<p>What is the percentage of students who are typically held over to Regular Decision?
While it varies from year to year, approximately 40% of our Early Action applicants were held for consideration during the Regular Decision round. In 2009, just over 16% of those held over were ultimately offered admission.</p>
<p>My educated guess now is Caltech is more like Yale, in that many of these deferrals are to let applicants down easier, with not a very good chance of admission during the regular round.</p>
<p>Of course, Caltech has in general way fewer EA applicants and way fewer “non-serious” applicants. Students tend to know what they’re looking for when applying to a place like Caltech.</p>
<p>^^^^ That is very true. Number of candidates applying EA is limited, and most students who apply are competitive. </p>
<p>Is Deferring a gentle way of saying “NO”. </p>
<p>This is there official stance</p>
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<p>It has to be remembered the pool for the regular decision is larger and not all students may want to be considered for regular decision. So, there are still people who get in after being deferred, but it is not a big number. Hence, have a plan B and make sure you respond to all questions or inquiries from the institution.</p>