You submitted your UVA application with high hopes, maybe even imagining yourself walking The Lawn next fall. And now, you’re stuck in the waiting game. We know it sucks, you wanted a yes, but they gave you a “not yet.” However, if you're feeling disappointed or frustrated, you're not alone. Take a moment. Breathe. Then let’s talk strategy.
A deferral doesn’t mean you’re not qualified! It’s a reflection of UVA’s selectivity and the sheer volume of applications they receive. If you’re an out-of-state student applying ED or EA, you’re in a big crowd, with a lot of really qualified students. We don’t have exact stats on deferral-to-acceptance rates, but we do know it happens. What matters now is how you respond, and how you position yourself for Regular Decision.
You applied to UVA early for a reason. Maybe it was the chance to study political philosophy under legendary professors, explore original research at a public flagship, or study at one of the strongest business undergrad schools in the country. You still have a path there – so let’s jump into what you need to do to make it happen.
Step One: Double-Check Your College List
If your focus has been UVA-centric, it’s time to broaden the horizon. Pull out your list and assess: Do you have the right mix of reaches, targets, and safeties? Would you feel excited to attend each one? If not, revise accordingly.
What drew you to UVA in the first place? Was it the academic strength across disciplines? The balance of tradition and innovation? Seek out other schools that reflect those same values – think UNC Chapel Hill, University of Michigan, William & Mary, or private schools like Emory or Boston College.
Also, think program-specific. If you were aiming for McIntire, Tulane’s Freeman or IU’s Kelley could be smart additions. Revisit your criteria, not just rankings.
Once your list feels right, dive into those essays. We’ve got plenty of guidance on how to handle the most common prompts and how to write clearly, authentically, and strategically.
Step Two: Revisit Your Common App
Now that some distance has passed since you first hit submit, it’s a great time to look at your Common App essay with fresh perspective. Does it still feel like a true reflection of you? Or does it read like someone trying to sound impressive?
Generic-but-decent essays are everywhere. But decent won’t cut it in Regular Decision. You want the kind of essay that feels personal, that captures a moment or mindset no one else could have written. It doesn’t need to be a tearjerker or a life-altering epiphany! It just needs to feel real and specific.
Ask yourself: Does this tell a story beyond my activities list? Would someone who doesn’t know me understand what I care about? Could one of my classmates have written the same thing?
If your answer feels shaky, it might be time for an edit, or even a fresh idea. Prompt #7 remains our favorite (freedom to write about anything!), but great essays can come from any of them. What matters is that it reflects something layered and uniquely you.
Need to completely revamp your Common App essay? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Step Three: Other Applications
With January deadlines looming, it’s time to lock in your Regular Decision apps. Your first priority is polishing that Common App, but don’t overlook the rest.
Recheck your activities list: Are there updates since your original submission? Are your role descriptions clear and prioritized? After that, it’s supplement time, and this is where you have a real chance to shine.
A compelling "Why Us" essay goes beyond copy-pasting the school’s mission statement. You need specificity. Talk about professors, centers, traditions, and communities that actually align with your interests. The same goes for any community or identity prompts: connect your story to what you want to contribute to that campus.
Only once those RD applications are finalized should you turn back to UVA. That’s when your update comes into play.
Once your RD apps are in and polished, then it’s time to circle back to UVA with an update.
Step Four: Update
UVA doesn’t offer a ton of transparency about their deferral process, but they do allow you to submit updates – and you should absolutely take them up on that. Here’s what to gather before reaching out:
Mid-Year Report and Transcript
Your counselor will usually handle this, but it doesn’t hurt to confirm it’s being sent.
New or Improved Test Scores
If you’ve taken another test and scored higher, report it.
Optional New Rec Letters
Only if the recommender has real, heretofore unknown insight into you or a strong UVA connection.
Your Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
The most important piece you control right now. More below.
The Deferral Letter - Letter of Continued Interest
Now’s the time to follow up with UVA and reiterate your interest, and this is where your Letter of Continued Interest, or LOCI, comes in.
The purpose of this letter is twofold: 1) to communicate clearly that UVA remains your top choice, and 2) to provide updates that enhance your candidacy. You don’t need to rehash everything from your application. Focus instead on what’s new, relevant, and adds depth to your profile. A strong LOCI should be around 350–400 words, and you probably want to be on the shorter end of that range.
Start with a respectful greeting. If you know your regional rep's name, address them directly. If not, “Dear UVA Admissions Committee” is perfectly fine. Your first paragraph should be direct: reaffirm your continued enthusiasm for UVA, and say outright that if admitted, you would accept the offer of admission. Say that explicitly; they need to know you’ll positively impact their yield rate.
Then, move into your updates. These might include new academic accomplishments, leadership developments, personal milestones, or extracurricular achievements. You don’t need a laundry list – two or three strong, meaningful updates are plenty. If you’ve won an award, started a new project, or achieved something noteworthy, this is the place to share it. Be specific, confident, and concise.
If you don’t have significant updates, don’t panic. You can still reaffirm your alignment with UVA’s values and point to how your interests and goals continue to match what the university offers, just don’t waste space on vague praise. The goal is substance, not sentiment.
Close by once again thanking the committee for their time and reiterating your excitement and commitment. Keep the tone gracious and professional. This is not the place to vent your frustrations – it’s your opportunity to show persistence and maturity.
Once complete, upload your LOCI to the applicant portal. No need to send multiple messages or try to get in touch with your admissions officer unless you’ve already established a relationship with them.
Step Five: Wait
This is the hardest part – the waiting without obsessing. You’ve done what you can: strengthened your RD apps, submitted a thoughtful update, and taken the process seriously. Now it’s out of your hands.
Resist the urge to follow up again or bombard UVA with more updates. They’ve already told you what they want: mid-year grades, a well-written LOCI, and patience. One solid update is enough.
In the meantime, keep showing up for your senior year. Stay involved, keep your grades up, and be kind to yourself. You’ve made it this far – and no matter what UVA decides this spring, you’ve got more good news ahead. You’ve got this!
We can help you bounce back from a deferral or rejection. Reach out to us today to learn more.