So you didn’t get into UChicago… or rather, should we say, you didn’t get into UChicago yet. It might not feel like it, but getting deferred is actually good news. It means you have another chance of getting into Illinois’ most prestigious research institution. You just need to take a couple of essential steps to maximize your chances of acceptance at UChicago and other top universities.

This is where we normally share some data, but UChicago is super closed-lipped when it comes to the number of students they defer. They also don’t separate out their acceptance rates or publish other data that might help you better understand your odds (boo!) What we do know is that being deferred is actually impressive. If UChicago didn’t see something in your application, they would have rejected it. Something stood out to them about you, and you still have a chance at getting in during RD. That said, UChicago is ultra-competitive. Their overall acceptance rate is around 4.5%, and we guarantee their RD acceptance rate is lower. 

As a deferred student, you should take a few essential steps. We highly recommend working with a professional. When you are looking at elite schools like UChicago, it’s important to be strategic, and we can ensure you are set up for success.

Contact us today to speak with a counselor who can guide you through the tricky deferral process!

Whether you work with a counselor or go it alone, we need to take a couple of steps before we talk about UChicago: 

Review Your College List

While you still have a chance at getting into UChicago, you need to have a backup plan (really backup plans!) We've often found that students spend a lot of time choosing their ED and reach schools, but rarely take the same care with the rest of their lists. You need to make sure that you have a balanced list which includes at least 3 targets and 3 foundationals (sometimes also called safeties). These categories can’t be based on feelings; you need data. Check out use tools like Naviance, and speak with an expert.

Applying to the right schools will maximize your chances of success. Once you have a balanced list, you can move to the next step.

Reassess Your Common App Essay

“Could I have done anything better?”

This is the first question almost all students ask us when they come to us after a deferral. The short answer is, probably yes.

When we work with recently deferred students, one of the first steps we take is to review their Common App holistically. Often we make edits to multiple sections, but usually the biggest area for improvement is the Common App essay. Likely, your Common App essay isn’t bad (trust us, if it were bad, they would have rejected you). However, it could be better.

As a firm, we specialize in writing eye-catching essays and have found that an outstanding essay makes all the difference. Your Common App essay will be reviewed by every school you apply to, so it is worth taking some time to make sure it is the best that it can be. We would highly recommend at least reading our Official Common App Essay Guide 2026/2027 to see if there is room for improvement. 

Need a new set of eyes on your Common App essay? We have you covered!

Press Submit

Once you have reviewed your college list and Common App, it is time to get those apps submitted! We've found that students are sometimes nervous to submit after a deferral, but procrastination doesn’t help here. Press submit! Deadlines come fast, and once you have, it’s time to return to your UChicago application.

What UChicago Wants

UChicago doesn’t break down what they need from you on their website, but you should receive an email with more information (though in recent years, the wording of that email can be pretty confusing). The TLDR is that UChicago has a couple of options for deferred students, and there are a couple of things that you will need to send to them. Let’s break them down:

The ED2 Form

The University of Chicago has an option for you to change your application plan to ED2 after a deferral. This is a rare option, as most colleges don't allow applicants to do this, and it is not something we actually recommend for most students. ED2 can be a powerful tool when used correctly, but for most students, doubling down on ED2  isn’t the most strategic move. If you are considering switching to ED2, we would love to help you make that decision.

Mid-Year Grades

UChicago needs your mid-year grades. Your school counselor should know to send these automatically, but it is best practice to check in and make sure they have everything they need.

New Test Scores

UChicago allows you to send updated test scores if you have them. We generally only recommend sending new scores if they are meaningfully better than what you have already submitted. Trust us, that 10-point rise in SAT Math isn’t really what they are looking for.

Additional Materials

UChicago includes in their email:

“You can continue to upload supplemental materials directly to your UChicago Account through the Portfolio and Upload Materials sections. This is not necessary, but if you do have additional materials you’d like to share, please feel free to upload them.”

This is pretty vague, and our biggest tip is to use it sparingly. Remember how long UChicago’s application was? At this point, they have a lot of information about you. We get the temptation; you are probably thinking about everything you could add here. However, you run the risk of spamming them if you add every single thing you can think of. When it comes to additional materials, less is more.

Real value-adds could include published research or abstracts, but other materials can also work. Before you add a material, ask yourself, “Is it really worth it?”

Letter of Continued Interest

One additional material that is very much worth it is a letter of continued interest or LOCI. If you are committed to getting in RD, you need to send a LOCI, and it should be a good one. The LOCI gets uploaded to the portal, but you can almost think of it like a formal email. Just like a good email, it should be around 300-400 words. We are keeping this short and sweet.

You should start your LOCI with a formal greeting and an explicit statement that UChicago is still your top school and you will attend if admitted. This is important; RD is no longer binding if you applied ED1. They need to know you are still coming if you get in RD.

Once you have done this, the bulk of this letter should be about updates. You applied at least about two months ago and likely even longer ago. UChicago wants to know what you have been up to since in the form of significant updates. Ideally, you have 1-3 impressive and substantive updates that you can speak to here. Many types of updates can work here, but think of things like taking on a new leadership role, starting an internship or out-of-school course, receiving a reward, or getting published. You don’t need to tell them every little thing; try to focus on the big stuff.

Choosing your updates carefully is essential. If you are nervous about LOCI writing, we can help!

Once you have impressed admissions with your updates, reaffirm that UChicago is your top choice and you will be attending if you are accepted. Add a thank you and a formal sign-off, and you have your LOCI.

You still have a shot at UChicago, but you can’t sit back and rely on it. Your job is to set yourself up for the best possible chances at getting into UChicago and other top schools during RD. And our job is to help you if you need it. Check out our It’s Going to be Ok package if you aren’t ready to tackle this tricky time alone!

We can ensure you are navigating your deferral strategically. Contact us to talk to a counselor today!