<p>Are all Stanford deferrals to regular admission created equal? What I mean is, do you think Stanford secretly categorizes its SCEA deferrals into distinct piles: 1) legitimate deferral - the applicant looks competitive but they want to see them in comparison to the regular pool or they need to see the student’s mid year grades. 2) polite deferral - they know they will not be ultimately admitting the applicant but they want to let the high school down easy to keep a good relationship with them. 3) polite development deferral - they know they will not be ultimately admitting the applicant but they want to let the alumni parent/donator (s) down easy?? I’m curious whether they only actually re-evaluate category ones.</p>
<p>Yeah I suspect they have different kinds. But I’m not an adcom so I can’t really say : /</p>
<p>If they are undecided on someone, they defer that person. No hidden motives, im pretty sure the school doesnt care about hurt feelings.</p>
<p>butters: You are right. There are OFFICIALLY different kinds of deferrals. Even a former Stanford admission director acknowledged this. “For those who are supported enthusiastically by their schools, through teacher recommendations or school reports, I think deferral (or is it waitlist?) is a great way to acknowledge this. Deferral is also an appropriate way to recognize any legacy-ties.”</p>