Deferred? Waitlisted? Here's How to Craft the Statement That Gets You In

You open your email. Your palms are sweaty, your heart races. You’ve been waiting for the “Congratulations,” but instead, you read the words: deferred to Regular Decision or waitlisted. It’s not the news you wanted. You pause. The disappointment hits you hard. But then, something clicks. This isn’t the end. It’s your moment to rise, to show the admissions office why you’re more than just another applicant, why you truly belong at their school.

If you’ve been deferred after applying Early Decision or Early Action, or waitlisted in Regular Decision, don’t lose hope. Your Statement of Persuasion is your chance to rise above the rest. Often called a “Letter of Enthusiasm” or “Letter of Continued Interest,” this letter allows you to go beyond your initial application and tell them what’s new—what you’ve accomplished, how you’ve grown, and why you’re still an ideal fit for their community.

Though Ivy League schools don’t require a Letter of Continued Interest, submitting one can set you apart. It’s your chance to reaffirm your commitment, demonstrate your continued interest, and show the admissions team why they shouldn’t look past you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Statement of Persuasion

To ensure your letter leaves a lasting impression, you must avoid some common pitfalls. These are the key mistakes students often make, and how to sidestep them:

Pitfall 1: Simply Reaffirming Interest

Imagine you’re in Emily’s shoes. Deferred from Columbia’s Early Decision, she knew her Statement of Persuasion had to show more than just her continued love for the school. Her first draft started with, “Columbia has been my dream school.” As she reread it, she realized that message was already clear in her Early Decision application.

Instead of repeating herself, Emily shifted gears. She highlighted a recent urban sustainability research project she’d presented at a regional conference. She tied the project to Columbia’s urban planning resources and how New York City’s challenges aligned with her academic goals. This new direction showed that Emily wasn’t just reaffirming her interest, but actively contributing to a field that mattered to the school.

Takeaway: Don’t simply repeat your interest—show your growth with new, relevant updates that connect to the school’s values.

Pitfall 2: Bragging

Raj found himself waitlisted at Dartmouth. His instinct was to list every accomplishment—debate victories, awards, and recognition. As he reread his letter, something felt off. It read like a boast rather than a reflection of his growth. So, Raj made a change. He focused on one powerful experience: the coding mentorship program he had created for middle school students. He connected it to Dartmouth’s emphasis on service and leadership, showing how this experience had shaped him into a better leader and teacher.

Takeaway: Don’t overwhelm the reader with a list of accomplishments. Focus on a few impactful experiences that reflect your growth and align with the school’s values.

Pitfall 3: Exaggerating

Mia, deferred from Harvard’s Restrictive Early Action, faced a tough choice. To stand out, she wrote about organizing a school fundraiser. However, in an attempt to impress, she exaggerated how much money was raised. When Mia reread her letter, she realized the numbers didn’t matter. What truly mattered was the impact the fundraiser had on her school—how it brought students together, fostering collaboration and community. Mia rewrote her letter, focusing on the authentic contributions she had made, which resonated with Harvard’s values of integrity and community.

Takeaway: Be authentic. Admissions officers want to know the true impact of your actions, not inflated claims.

Writing a Letter That Resonates

Your Statement of Persuasion is about showing how you’ve grown since your original application. It’s about illustrating that growth and aligning it with what the school values most. Start by thanking the admissions team for the opportunity to be considered again. Reaffirm your interest by mentioning specific aspects of the school’s mission, programs, or culture that resonate with you.

Next, focus on one or two updates that highlight your growth and development. Reflect on your journey: What have you learned that’s prepared you to contribute to their campus community? Admissions officers want to hear your authentic voice—not a rehearsed version.

While we can’t tell you exactly what to write, we can help you express your story in a compelling and authentic way. At Ivy Link, we’ve helped countless students like Emily, Raj, and Mia turn deferrals and waitlist spots into acceptances at Ivy League and top-tier institutions. Whether you need help brainstorming, refining your letter, or ensuring it captures your true self, we’re here to support you.

Reach out to us today, and let’s work together to get you one step closer to your dream school.