I never had to get a student deferment — I was classified 1-Y by my draft board on the basis of my terrible eyesight (they were afraid I’d shoot the general if I ever were to lose my glasses) and a history of asthma.
There was great apprehension in the days leading up to the lottery. I drew #235 (or so – I do not remember the exact #) that night, a relief mixed with sadness over far lower numbers drawn by friends.
There seemed to be a general consensus that my number would never be called. That must have been correct because shortly after the lottery, my 1-Y was changed to 4-F.