We know – getting deferred from Cornell hurts. You spent months building an application that showed off your strengths, your passions, and why you belong in Ithaca. You hit submit hoping for a yes, and instead you got… not yet. And that can feel like rejection. But a deferral isn’t a no. It’s Cornell saying, “We’re still thinking about you.” You’re still in the running, and that means there’s still time to strengthen your application and remind them why you’re such a strong fit.
You applied early for a reason. Maybe it’s the balance of academic rigor and natural beauty. Maybe it’s the unmatched variety of programs. Maybe it’s that perfect mix of intellectual and laid-back, that combo of Ivy and the “true” college feel. So take a moment. Feel your feelings. And then get ready to rally. You’ve been given another shot, and we’re here to help you make the most of it.
Step One: Double-Check Your College List
So if you went all in on Cornell, you need to reassess. We don’t see it as much these days, but if that was the only school you seriously prepped for, now’s the time to pivot. This next stretch between December and early January isn’t for sulking; it’s for strategy. First up: take a long, honest look at your college list. Is it stacked with Ivies and dream schools but missing some solid targets and safeties? Is it more of a wishlist than a plan? If so, let’s fix that. Most students should aim for a balanced list of 8–12 schools, mixing in options that match your academic profile and offer vibes you’d actually enjoy.
And please, don’t just chase logos or prestige. If Cornell drew you in because of the flexibility between colleges, the strong undergrad research culture, or their killer agriculture and hospitality programs, look for schools with similar offerings. You’re building a list of places where you’ll thrive and can accomplish your goals.
Once your list is locked, your attention will turn to the school-specific essays. The supplements are where you can really shine, and where most students drop the ball during this hectic time. You need to start writing, revising, and submitting soon. Not at 11:59PM on January 1st. The earlier you hit submit, the more you can breathe. And lucky for you, we have guides on how to answer tons of different school supplement questions on our blog.
Step Two: Revisit Your Common App
Now’s the time to give your Common App essay a serious gut check. Reread it – not as the person who wrote it, but as an admissions officer who’s been reading essays all day. Does it sound like you? Or does it sound like every other high-achieving student who aced AP Chem and founded a nonprofit? Be honest, if it could have been written by ten other kids at your school, it’s probably not working as hard as it should be.
We’re not saying you need to reinvent the wheel, plenty of students get into great schools with classic “lesson learned” essays. But the ones who really stand out take a different approach. They write something specific, unexpected, unique, relatable, and unmistakably personal. That’s the difference between a decent essay and one that makes an admissions officer sit up a little straighter and give your application a second look.
While Prompt #7 has a special place in our hearts (she’s versatile and iconic), almost any prompt can work if you approach it with the right story and a strong voice. Just steer clear of the usual traps: recycling material from your activities list, telling us what happened without telling us how it changed you, writing about someone (or something) other than you, or writing something so polished and robotic it doesn’t sound human. If you’re seeing any of those red flags in your draft, don’t panic, just consider it your sign to take another swing.
Need to completely revamp your Common App essay? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Step Three: Other Applications
If it’s sometime between mid-December and early January and you’re here reading this, welcome to what might be the most hectic stretch of your college application journey. You’re in the thick of it and every day counts. While your first goal is working on your Common App, your second goal is to tackle other applications.
You should also do a once-over on your activities list and (if applicable) the additional information section. A strong, updated application is your foundation. After that, it’s all about the supplements, and those prompts are specific for a reason. These schools want to see that you’ve done your homework, that you’re a strong culture fit, that you can get a lot of what they can offer you, or some combination of all three.
Please, we beg you: don’t wait until the last hour to hit submit. We know we said it before, but it bears repeating. The sooner you wrap each school’s app, the better. Not only does it lower your stress levels, but it also ensures everything gets in cleanly. No tech hiccups, no panicked uploading. We’ve heard stories of the Common App crashing right before the deadline, and you don’t want to be that person.
Only after your Regular Decision apps are fully buttoned up should you turn your attention to your Cornell update. A letter of continued interest can help, but it needs to be sharp, specific, and timed right. Finalize your application materials first, then you can circle back and let Cornell know you’re still all in.
Step Four: Update
Cornell has very little on their website about getting deferred, but that doesn’t mean we don’t know what to do. Before writing your letter, compile a few things:
Mid-Year Report and Mid-Year Transcript
This should be sent from your school directly
Updated Test Scores
If you took the SAT or ACT again and got a better score, this is a great time to tell them
Additional letters of rec (optional!)
You should only include these if they are truly special. They either need to say something incredible about you or be written by someone with actual pull at Cornell. Someone who went there 20 years ago that barely knows you doesn’t count.
Your deferral letter, a.k.a., the letter of continued interest.
The Deferral Letter—Letter of continued interest
A deferral letter, also known as a LOCI (letter of continued interest), is your opportunity to re-engage with Cornell and let them know you’re still serious. Think of it as your thoughtful follow-up, not a rehash of your application. Remind them that Cornell is still your top choice, show them how you’ve grown since applying, and do it all with confidence and clarity.
This letter should be short, purposeful, and professional. No fluff, no begging, and definitely no lengthy monologues about “why Cornell.” You’ve already made your case in your application, now it’s about reaffirming interest and providing real updates. Aim for 300 words, maybe 400 if you’ve got multiple major developments since December.
Format it like a formal letter. You’ll likely upload it through Cornell’s applicant portal, but if you’ve corresponded with your regional rep, you can also send them a copy via email, just be sure to copy the admissions office too.
Start strong: address the letter to your regional admissions officer (if known), or go with “Dear Cornell University Admissions Office.” In the first few lines, leave no doubt – say outright that Cornell is still your first choice, and if admitted, you will absolutely attend. This is crucial. Since your ED agreement no longer applies, they need to know your commitment hasn’t wavered.
Then, get into the meat of it: what’s changed since you hit submit? Share 2–3 meaningful, recent updates that strengthen your application. These could include academic awards, leadership positions, new research or coursework, creative projects, jobs, or anything else that reflects personal and intellectual growth. This wouldn’t be the place to talk about improved grades, but instead something more meaningful.
Close with a respectful thank-you, another clear affirmation of your interest, and a polished signoff. Keep it professional, and remember: this isn’t about begging them to want you. If they didn’t like you, they wouldn’t have deferred you!
Step Five: Wait
This part sucks! Waiting is the worst, especially when something you care about so much is on the line. You’ve already invested so much energy, and now you’re stuck in limbo. But this is not the time to send another email, hunt for a new update to share, or show up in Ithaca unannounced hoping for a face-to-face with admissions. We promise you, that won’t help.
You’ve done what you needed to do. You built a smart, balanced college list. You submitted a thoughtful, well-crafted application. And you followed up with a polished letter of continued interest that reminded Cornell why you’re such a strong fit. That’s everything within your control.
From here, the ball’s in their court. Cornell’s final decisions typically come out in late March or early April, so for now, your job is to take a breath and shift your focus to what’s next. You’ve put in the work. You’ve made your case. Now it’s time to let the process play out.
We can help you bounce back from a deferral or rejection. Reach out to us today to learn more.