<p>As a former educator and parent of a freshman in college who went through the angst of college applications last year, some suggestions for those deferred: rather than ordering a course catalog (anyone can easily do it, and they don't really track those requests - doesn't show true interest as it's a very passive activity), perhaps schedule a visit to speak to the admissions reps in person, write a handwritten note, thanking them for continuing to consider you and explaining why you still want to go to Yale - what you can bring to THEIR table! Someone above posted a comment about voice. YES!!! Schools want people, not robots. I don't care if the person who runs the country, operates on me, or designs my hurricane-resistant building got a perfect SAT. I want someone who is passionate about who they are, what they're interested in, and how they can make a positive impact with the help of a good college education. Colleges want interesting PEOPLE, not just numbers. There are, of course, some arbitrary decisions that get made due to the numbers of apps that are read. Focus on your essays - what makes you stand out? Not GPA- or stat-wise, but what make you TICK! Good luck to all. </p>
<p>A final word of wisdom - the sting of not getting in or getting deferred can be exceedingly painful right now. Know that it will pass, and wherever you go, you can make the best of it and shine like the stars I know you all to be!! And deferrees - please don't keep your eggs all in this basket. The reality is that very few get off the waitlists of any school. Sometimes I think it is easier to get the rejection so you can re-focus your energies. Good luck everyone!</p>