<p>Just a guess, but if you make it past the “academically qualified” filter, then the next level is probably “application stands out.” I’m sure all the deferrals are academically qualified, else they’d already be rejected. </p>
<p>I can say they should look at how they can improve their applications, because sitting pat will probably mean a rejection in RD. I cannot say what improvements could make the difference, though.</p>