UChicago EA Deferral Rate: High or low?

Quick question about UChicago's EA deferral rate - is it typically high or low? I'm trying to get an idea of my chances if I end up applying EA.

UChicago, like many selective universities, does not publish its Early Action (EA) deferral rate. It's also important to understand that the deferral rate can vary from year to year, depending on the strength of the applicant pool and the number of spots available. Most institutions don't have a fixed goal for the number of students they're planning on deferring.

Rather than worrying too much about deferral up front, focus on maximizing your chances of acceptance during the EA round. Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and any more general experiences that demonstrate your intellectual curiosity and fit for the university. The essays in particular are a great way to stand out at UChicago - their unusual prompts are the stuff of legend. While each year's prompts can vary widely, you can get a general sense of the kinds of questions they ask, and how to tackle them successfully, from CollegeVine's blog post on last year's prompts: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-uchicago-essays-2023-2024.

Additionally, while a deferral would not be ideal, it's important to remember that a deferral is not a rejection. If you are deferred, you will be considered again during the Regular Decision (RD) round along with all the other RD applicants. In this case, you'll have an opportunity to update your application with any recent accomplishments, awards, or improvements in academics. If you do find yourself in this position, you can maximize your chances of acceptance after deferral by writing a letter of continued interest, which you can read more on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/deferred-or-waitlisted-tips-for-writing-a-letter-of-continued-interest.

Applying EA can still give you a slight advantage, as it demonstrates your genuine interest in the school. Just keep in mind that you'll have to be prepared for any outcome: acceptance, deferral, or rejection. Good luck with your application to UChicago!