We know, getting deferred from your top-choice school stings. You gave everything to your Barnard ED application, hit submit, and hoped for a win. And now? You’re in limbo. It’s not a no, but it’s not a yes either. You’re stuck in the “maybe” zone, which is hard. But before you spiral, let’s pause. Take a breath. This isn’t a rejection – it’s a delay. A deferral just means they need more time to decide. You still have a shot.
A deferral can mess with your head, we get it. But please don’t let it shake your confidence. You’re sharp, capable, and on a great path, and this outcome doesn’t change that. Barnard’s Early Decision process is incredibly selective, and their Regular Decision pool is even more so. Like most selective schools, they’re not especially forthcoming about what happens to deferred students, but we know students get off the list every single year, and we want to help you.
There’s a reason Barnard drew you in. Maybe it was the intellectual freedom, the proximity to Columbia, the power of being at a women’s college in New York City. All of that still matters. Your application is still under consideration, and you’ve got a chance to tip the scales. So once you’ve processed the news (snacks encouraged), let’s look at what comes next
Step One: Double-Check Your College List
If you’ve been all-in on Barnard this fall and haven’t made much headway on other apps, now’s the time to regroup. The Regular Decision clock is ticking, and the choices you make in the next few weeks matter a lot.
First, examine your list. Is it built out with a smart balance of reaches, targets, and safeties? If not, it’s time to add more. Aim for 8–12 schools, and be honest about where you stand in terms of GPA, test scores, rigor, and extracurriculars. Use each school’s admitted student profile as a guide, not a guarantee.
Don’t just chase name brands. Think about why Barnard appealed to you in the first place. Was it the feminist ethos? The interdisciplinary programs? Being steps away from Broadway and Central Park? Use those themes to find other schools that offer a similar vibe, maybe Wellesley, Smith, Wesleyan, Vassar, or NYU. Look at honors colleges or urban liberal arts colleges that offer the kind of access and academic intensity you’re looking for.
Once your list feels solid, shift your focus to the supplements. These essays matter more than people think, because they’re where your voice and specificity really shine. RD deadlines are fast approaching, and your best shot is a thoughtful, tailored application, not a rushed one. So start now.
Step Two: Revisit Your Common App
Now that you’ve got a little distance from your application, it’s a great time to read your Common App essay with fresh eyes. Does it sound like you? Or could it have been written by just about any ambitious, overachieving student?
Barnard sees thousands of essays from high-performing students every year. The ones that rise to the top aren’t necessarily the ones with the flashiest stories, they’re the ones with the clearest voice, the deepest reflection, and the most compelling sense of purpose. You don’t need a once-in-a-lifetime experience to impress them. You just need to be real and specific.
Prompt #7 (create your own topic) is one of our all-time favorites, but any prompt can work if the essay feels alive and thoughtful. Watch out for common traps: repeating your resume, writing about someone else more than yourself, summarizing instead of showing, or keeping the reader at arm’s length. If it doesn’t feel fresh, it’s probably time for a rewrite.
Need to completely revamp your Common App essay? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Step Three: Other Applications
If you're reading this sometime between mid-December and early January, welcome to the busiest stretch of application season. Things are moving fast now. The most important thing? Keep going.
First, polish that Common App essay. Then give your activities section another glance. Has anything changed? Any new roles, awards, or projects? Update your application if needed.
Then it’s time to crank out the supplements. Please, please don’t wait until the last possible second. The more time you give yourself, the better your essays will be—and the less likely you’ll be hit with tech issues at 11:59 p.m.
Once everything else is done and submitted, then it’s time to loop back to Barnard with an update. But don’t jump the gun. Your Regular Decision apps need to come first. They’re the priority right now.
Step Four: Update
Barnard doesn’t have much information on what they want from you, but here’s what we know they’ll ask for:
Mid-Year Report and Mid-Year Transcript
These are typically submitted by your counselor. Confirm that they’re on it.
Updated Test Scores
If your scores improved, send them. If not, no need.
Additional letters of rec (optional!)
Only if it adds something new and specific—not just a rehash of what’s already in your file.
Your deferral letter, a.k.a., the letter of continued interest.
The Deferral Letter – Letter of Continued Interest
Your letter of continued interest is your follow-up to admissions, a quick, powerful reminder that Barnard remains your first choice and you’ve continued to grow since applying. Think of it as your encore.
Keep it short – 300 words is ideal, 400 max if you’ve got truly major news. Your tone should be confident and upbeat, never pleading or desperate. Focus on three things: reaffirming your interest, highlighting updates, and showing that you’re an even stronger applicant now.
Start with a respectful greeting. If you know your regional rep’s name, use it. If not, “Dear Barnard Admissions Team” works perfectly.
Your opening should clearly state that Barnard is still your top choice and that, if admitted, you will absolutely attend. Yes, you need to spell it out. Since you’re no longer bound by the ED agreement, they want to know you’re still serious.
Next, get into your updates. Choose 2–3 significant developments, academic wins, leadership roles, creative projects, research, new coursework, and explain why they matter, not just what they are. Connect back to what you want to explore at Barnard if you can.
Close with a sincere thank-you and a final, explicit nod to how excited you still are about Barnard. Upload the letter to your applicant portal or email it – if and only if you’ve been in direct contact with your regional counselor. Otherwise, portal is best.
Step Five: Wait
Now comes the hardest part: waiting. After all the time, energy, and emotion you’ve poured into this process, sitting tight can feel impossible. But this is the moment to practice restraint.
Don’t send more updates just to stay on their radar. Don’t email asking for clarification. Don’t try to schedule a last-minute meeting with admissions. The best thing you can do now is trust your work and let it speak for itself.
Your application will be reviewed again during Regular Decision, with final decisions usually landing in late March. Until then, stay focused on school, keep doing what you love, and remember that your path isn’t defined by any single outcome.
Whether Barnard says yes or not, you’re going to land somewhere incredible. You’ve got this.
We can help you bounce back from a deferral or rejection. Reach out to us today to learn more.