Receiving Admissions Decisions

There are a few different types of admissions decisions that seniors may receive.

Accepted: Seniors who receive notices that they have been accepted to a college are tasked with the decision to decide whether or not to commit to attending a particular college. National College Decision Day is May 1st of each school year. All admitted seniors have until this date to make a commitment to the college they will be attending. This gives seniors who have been admitted to multiple schools, time to make college visits, and to assess the pros and cons of each college they have been admitted too.

Deferred Acceptance: This term is used in a number of ways. It typically refers to when a senior has been accepted, but will be taking either a Gap Year, or will delay enrollment for a semester or year. Sometimes a deferred admissions is offered when the college has filled their seats or they advise that a senior attend a community college for a semester to acquire course work that will aid the student in transitioning to their setting. In some circumstances, seniors who used an Early Action application deadline may have their application decision deferred to a Regular Application process. In these situations, college admissions offices will provide the student with instructions for next steps. Deferred students need to follow these instructions carefully and thoroughly. Deferred students may be asked to provide more information about themselves in order for admissions to make a final decision. If more information has not been requested, it may be wise to provide the college with a letter, updating the admissions office of any new extracurricular or service activities, awards, test scores or grades. It is important to be positively proactive when deferred, while avoiding becoming a nuisance to the admissions office. Applicants should be the ones to advocate for themselves, rather than their parents, unless otherwise advised by an admissions office.

Wait Listed: This typically means that they have completed their review of the application, and have opted to put an applicant on a wait list, but are not requesting more information. We advise that wait listed students research the percentage of wait listed applicants who are eventually admitted into the college. At many colleges it may be such a small percentage, that it is wise for the senior to begin to plan to attend a different college.

Denial or Rejection: These applicants have been denied admittance to the college. Denied applicants need to explore other college options for admissions. Most of our students who are applying to a number of Reach Colleges will receive a denial letter along the way. Do not let this discourage you or lead you to abandon your pursuit of college admissions. It just wasn't the right fit. It does not mean that you are not college ready, you just need to find the right college fit for you. Keep going and go see your counselor for support and advice!