If you’re reading this, you probably didn’t get the answer you were hoping for. And we’re sorry – we know this is hard. You poured time and energy into your Williams ED application, hit submit, and now you feel stuck in the middle of yes and no.
Let’s clarify one thing upfront: being deferred doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It simply reflects the highly selective nature of Williams ED, which routinely sees exceptional applicants for very few spots.
We also know you might be feeling extra anxious because the Williams school paper has , and we’re assuming you’ve been anxiously Googling and reading College Confidential and Reddit threads. In 2024, Williams accepted 14 deferred students in RD, which sounds extremely small. But, let’s put that in context: during that cycle, 155 students were deferred, and 14 of 155 is about 9%, which is actually a slightly higher acceptance rate than their overall RD rate. Williams has historically not been shy about rejecting ED applicants, and statistically, you were more likely to be rejected than deferred.
We say all that to say: you are still in the running. You have a shot. And while a lot of things are out of your hands right now, you still have a few major things in your control. So, let’s focus on what you can do from here.
Step One: Double-Check Your College List
If Williams was your only early school, it’s possible your other apps took a backseat. That’s understandable, but it’s time to change your strategy.
Reopen your college list and check for balance. You’ll want a thoughtful mix of reaches, targets, and safeties – schools you’d genuinely be happy to attend. If your current list leans too heavily into prestige (for example, all the other sub 10% NESCAC schools), you need to reassess.
Ask yourself: what drew you to Williams? Was it the tight-knit community, the tutorial-style learning, the rural setting, or the student-to-faculty ratio? A specific major or program? Then look for schools that offer similar programs and vibes – think Bowdoin, Middlebury, Haverford, Hamilton, Oberlin, Kenyon, or other smaller liberal arts colleges that prioritize teaching and student-faculty interaction. Don’t forget larger public institutions with strong liberal arts cores or honors programs.
Once you’ve diversified your list (and worked on your Common App – more on that next), turn to the supplements. We have tons of guides on writing school-specific supplements and general guides to commonly asked questions (like the Why, Community, and Disagreement prompts) on our blog.
Step Two: Revisit Your Common App
Now’s the perfect time to re-read your Common App essay with some distance. Does it still feel like your voice? Does it offer insight into who you are beyond your resume?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of writing something that’s technically well-structured but emotionally flat – or worse – forgettable. Strong essays stick because they feel like you. They zoom in on real moments, speak in clear language, and show us how you think, not just what you’ve done. Those are the kinds of essays that stick with admissions officers.
Prompt #7 is our favorite (she is that girl) because it gives you a lot of freedom, and we love it when students use it to tell a story that doesn’t fit neatly into the other categories. That said, any prompt can work, as long as you use it as a vehicle to tell a story. What matters is whether the essay brings out something personal, layered, and surprising.
Ask yourself: could someone else at your school have written this? Does this essay show something not already obvious from your activities list? Are you writing about cliche topics like overcoming adversity, your grandma, or connecting your life to some big grand metaphor? If the answers lean toward “yes,” consider a revision. Sometimes that means reworking, and other times, it means starting over with a new idea – and that’s okay.
Your RD and ED2 schools deserve your best work, and there’s still time to deliver it.
Need to completely revamp your Common App essay? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Step Three: Other Applications
We know it’s hard to rally after a deferral, but the clock’s ticking. January deadlines are coming fast, and now’s the time to channel your energy into your other applications.
Start with your activities list. Has anything changed since you submitted to Williams? New awards? Added responsibilities? A cool personal project that’s taken off? Update your application accordingly.
Then, shift your attention to the supplemental essays. These need to be thoughtful and personalized. If a school asks, “Why us?” – they want more than a list of programs. They want to see that you understand their values and see yourself thriving there. If a community or identity question pops up, reflect honestly and make the connection back to the school’s environment.
Since Williams didn’t have a supplement, you might be starting from scratch. If you worked on other EA applications, we don’t recommend just copy and pasting what you worked on – you can use it as a starting point, but each school needs something targeted and specfic that proves you are a good culture fit.
Once your Regular Decision apps are submitted and out the door, then (and only then) should you circle back to Williams with a final update.
Step Four: Update
Williams doesn’t offer exhaustive (or, any, for that matter) guidance for deferred applicants on their werbsite, but there are a few key things they will probably request and that you can send to them:
Mid-Year Report and/or Mid-Year Transcript
Your school counselor should do this automatically, but don’t be afraid to follow up
Updated Test Scores
Any score bump is good, and Williams does superscore
Letter of Continued Interest
This is where you’ll make your second impression, and it’s the main thing you have control over in this process.
With that, it’s time to talk about how to write your letter of continued interest.
The Deferral Letter - Letter of Continued Interest
The LOCI is your opportunity to reconnect with the admissions team and reinforce why you’re still a strong fit for Williams. But this isn’t a personal statement rehash: it’s a focused, professional update that shows you’re still all in.
Start off your letter with a polite greeting. If you know your regional officer’s name and have communicated with them before, use it. If not, “Dear Williams Admissions Committee” is great and perfectly acceptable.
In your opening, be direct: state clearly that Williams remains your top choice, and that you would immediately enroll if admitted. This kind of demonstrated interest can still make a difference. You need to say this explicitly. Do not beat around the bush. Williams is your top choice, and if accepted, you will enroll.
Next, outline 2–3 meaningful updates since you submitted your application. These might include new leadership roles or honors, academic achievements such as awards (we typically don’t suggest mentioning better grades, since they will see that in your transcript), progress on research or creative projects, or milestones in extracurriculars or volunteer work.
The key is to be specific, succinct, and sincere. Don’t just list them out; give context, and bonus points for connecting your updates to opportunities you’re excited about at Williams. If you don’t have many (or any) updates, focus on what you’re looking forward to at Williams. Get specific about programs, extracurriculars, or even classes and professors, and talk about why and how these things will help you achieve your goals.
Wrap up by explicitly reiterating your excitement about Williams and thanking the admissions team for their time and consideration. Keep the tone respectful and optimistic. Once finished, you will typically upload the LOCI to your Williams portal. If you’ve had direct communication with your admissions rep, you can follow up with a brief email to let them know you’ve submitted the update – but only if a relationship already exists.
Step Five: Wait
After your letter is submitted and your applications are in, the hardest part begins: waiting. Williams doesn’t want extra emails, additional essays, or new rec letters. One strong LOCI, a complete mid-year report, and any improved test scores are more than enough.
From here, the best thing you can do is stay focused on the present. Keep up your schoolwork. Stay involved in your activities. Keep being the person who wrote that great application.
We know this is hard, and no matter the outcome, you’re going to be okay. You’ve got this.
We can help you bounce back from a deferral or rejection. Reach out to us today to learn more.