Did you apply early to Stanford University and get a delay for the Class of 2028? If so, don’t worry because your chance of getting into Stanford isn’t over yet. However, what happens next depends on what you do. So, what are your chances of getting in after a delay, and how can you improve them? Let’s find out!

Stanford University Early Action Admission Rates

Stanford hasn’t shared its Early Action admissions numbers for the past five years (and maybe even longer). This means we don’t know how many students they accept early on.

The most recent confirmed Stanford Early Action numbers we have are for the Class of 2021, which were provided seven years ago. In that year, Stanford accepted 9.24% of Early Action applicants, which was higher than its Regular Decision acceptance rate of 3.67%.

While there isn’t any published data available about how many students Stanford postpones or rejects during each Early Action period, our sources have consistently indicated that Stanford turns down more applicants than it postpones.

In fact, as stated on Stanford’s admissions website, “Stanford postpones only a small percentage of Restrictive Early Action applications to Regular Decision.”

Stanford University Deferral Form

Most top colleges usually tell students to upload any documents they need through their online systems. But Stanford is different. If you’ve been put on hold by Stanford, they’ll give you a form to fill out. If you want a shot at getting in after being postponed, it’s crucial to use this chance wisely.

5 Steps to Take After Being Deferred by Stanford University

1. First, take a deep breath. You need to act fast to sort out your deferral situation. But before you dive in, take a moment to relax and clear your head. You only have one opportunity to do this right.

2. Make a quick chat with Essay Embassy to find out how we can with admission essay help if you’ve been deferred. Every year, we support students like you in getting into their top-choice colleges. Can we guarantee you’ll get in after a deferral? No. If someone promises that, you should be cautious. We can only offer you the best help possible. If that’s not enough for you, we might not be the right fit.

3. Do a thorough review of your application with counseling experts to figure out what worked, what didn’t, and what you should change in your post-deferral form for Stanford. While we’ll look at what you sent to Stanford, the changes we suggest aren’t for them. You can’t change your Stanford application once it’s submitted. But you can tweak your applications to other colleges. Why repeat the same mistakes?

4. Make sure it doesn’t contain any bragging that might turn admissions officers off. Many deferred applicants tend to boast about themselves. But students who come to us after being deferred from Stanford take a different approach – and it’s a big reason for their success. In short, we help the unique aspects of your application shine through on the Stanford deferral form. Yes, we said something unique. It’s a big reason why our students get accepted.

5. Ask your school counsellor to make a call advocating for you. This call can happen early in the year. To ensure your counsellor speaks positively about you, share your completed Stanford deferral form with them. This lets them represent you in the same way you did after being deferred. While some counsellors might refuse to make these calls, good ones will always advocate for you. It’s part of their job.

What Not to Do If You’ve Been Deferred by Stanford

Here are five things you shouldn’t do if Stanford postpones your application. We’ve written them in a simple way so you can remember them easily!

1. Don’t call Stanford admissions to ask why you didn’t get in. They don’t want to talk to you, and it might make you seem unpleasant. Avoid being overly pushy.

2. Don’t email Stanford admissions to ask why you were postponed.

3. Don’t keep sending updates to Stanford admissions. Just because you’ve got a new title or achievement doesn’t mean they’ll change their decision.

4. Don’t send gifts or stuff they didn’t ask for to Stanford admissions. People do strange things, but it won’t help your chances.

5. After you’ve filled out the deferral form, don’t bother Stanford admissions with more messages. Being too persistent can actually make you seem less attractive as a candidate. Remember, you want to improve your chances of getting into Stanford, not make them worse!

Stanford Deferral FAQ

Is a Stanford deferral meaningful?

Yes, because Stanford turns down most Early Action applicants, you still have a good shot at getting into The Farm through Regular Decision. Getting deferred isn’t as heavy at some other top schools like Harvard, where a lot of students also get deferred.

Does Stanford accept, defer, or deny most Early Action candidates?

Stanford rejects most Early Action hopefuls. The number of rejected applicants is much higher than the combined number of deferred and accepted ones.

Was applying Early Action to Stanford the right choice?

Not every time. At Essay Embassy, we highly suggest applying early because top universities are much more lenient at this time. But where you apply early matters a lot.

We typically suggest that applicants hold off on applying to Stanford during the early application round, especially if they belong to groups that are often well-represented in top colleges, like Chinese Americans and Indian Americans.

Based on what we’ve seen, these students tend to have better chances if they apply during the Regular Decision period. When our students get accepted to Stanford during Regular Decision, we call it the April Surprise. For instance, last year, we had a student who wasn’t eligible for Early Decision at an Ivy League school. It turned out, though, that they were glad they didn’t get in there because they ended up being accepted to Stanford during Regular Decision, which made the acceptance even more exciting for them.

Can students change their Stanford applications post-deferral?

No, once you submit the application, you can’t change it. However, it’s important for students to realise any errors they made in their Stanford applications, so they don’t make the same mistakes when applying to other schools in Regular Decision.

Can you appeal your Stanford decision?

Definitely not. Stanford, like most top universities, doesn’t reconsider its decisions. If you’re rejected in Early Action, that’s the end of the road for that year. It’s surprising how many families ask about appealing after getting deferred from Stanford. But unfortunately, it’s not possible!

Final Thoughts – How Essay Embassy Can Help You With Admission Essay

When writing your college essays, seeking external assistance is crucial. Our skilled writers provide valuable insights for your admission essay, offering constructive feedback and fresh perspectives. This expert writing process is invaluable, helping you identify areas for improvement and gaining different viewpoints on your work.

Our writers, well-versed in the college admissions essay process, offer specialized writing to enhance your application. Their insights into what top schools are looking for can elevate your narrative, ensuring that your application stands out. Whether refining your grammar or enriching your story’s appeal, our experts’ experience and expertise can significantly increase your chances of admission to your dream school!