Deferred: What to do?

[Kevin83]

I remember hearing a list of things you can do to improve your standing if you're waitlisted (i.e., additional LOR, additional statement, visits, etc.).  Do these same sorts of actions work to your benefit if you're deferred, or is it best to just leave your application alone?

[JonParkes]

Did your deferral letter say anything?  I got deferred at University of Pennsylvania, and they said I could send another letter, for example.  I'm hoping to find a good recommendor for another letter, and I'm going to write the optional essay about why you want to go to University of Pennsylvania.  I don't know if I would have done this if the letter didn't invite it.  It probably can't hurt, but I wouldn't have thought of it on my own.

[midlife catharsis]

I agree that a deferral can be an opportunity to improve your application.  You may be able to get an appointment with adcomm person(s) to discuss your application.  If you really want the particular school that deferred you, it makes sense to do everything you can to improve your file before it is reviewed again.

[Foot Fetish]

I remember hearing a list of things you can do to improve your standing if you're waitlisted (i.e., additional LOR, additional statement, visits, etc.).  Do these same sorts of actions work to your benefit if you're deferred, or is it best to just leave your application alone?

Whatever you do, DO NOT HECTOR THE ADCOMM!!!!  I did that once, and was immediately mailed a DING letter.

[midlife catharsis]

I remember hearing a list of things you can do to improve your standing if you're waitlisted (i.e., additional LOR, additional statement, visits, etc.).  Do these same sorts of actions work to your benefit if you're deferred, or is it best to just leave your application alone?

Whatever you do, DO NOT HECTOR THE ADCOMM!!!!  I did that once, and was immediately mailed a DING letter.

Yes, be extremely polite and charming, but persistent and tenacious.  For those who've competed for jobs, its somewhat analogous to post-interview follow-up where you try to keep yourself at the top of the pile.  Annoying people (adcomms or those making hiring decisions) is never a good idea.  Sometimes there is a fine line between annoying and charming, and hopefully your emotional intelligence quotient is reaonably high...

[Kevin83]

Thanks for all this advice. The school I was speaking of is Cornell. Their letter did mention something about providing the committee w/ any more information that we might deem useful for their decision. I already sent in 3 letters of rec, and I guess I'll consider a 4th. Also, I'm going to give them a call to see about a visit and/or an interview. Maybe I'll also send a singing telegram...