Our small private school counselor told us the interest letter can make a BiG difference for a deferred candidate. Schools are much more likely to extend offers to those who express strong continued interest, with low stats, than those who are silent, with higher stats. It’s all about yield protection in the final round. Good luck!

My experience is admittedly dated, but I had a kid apply to UVA ED and get deferred. She sent a letter to Dean Roberts expressing her continued strong interest. He actually wrote her back, thanking her for her continued interest and noting that her mid-year grades would be the determining factor because she had started off slowly in high school and was trending in the right direction. She got all As for the mid-year and wrote the dean back and basically said "I did what you said, so . . ." And she got in.

I'd wait a few weeks until he's feeling more motivated. He might have more to say then.

I can totally relate but yes he should do it. It’s just an email but Admissions officers (who are also burnt out by now) use that to cull applicants. Their thinking is “Well, if DS can’t be bothered with an email expressing continued interest why would we want him?” and they move on to the pile of applications from those who are truly interested

I get that these are part to the process if deferred/waitlisted, but, honestly, I'm beginning to wonder what the point is.

My DC is pretty dejected, having been deferred at 2 and waitlisted at 1 (all schools he's interested in). He's kind of frozen and doesn't think these letters will make a difference b/c of the low rates of ultimate acceptance post deferral or waitlist. Maybe I'm just worn down by the process, but I'm beginning to agree.

Does anyone have any advice or been-there-done-that to help shed light on how important this is.