Understanding Admissions Results: Accepted, Deferred, Rejected, and Waitlisted

Written by Amanda, University of Pennsylvania

As high school seniors eagerly await college admissions decisions, understanding what each outcome means and how to respond is crucial. Whether you're accepted, deferred, rejected, or waitlisted, each result opens up a new path. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these outcomes and decide what steps to take next! 

1. Accepted: What Does It Mean? 

Being accepted to a college is the ideal outcome most students hope for, and it’s worth celebrating! An acceptance means the school wants you as part of their incoming class. However, receiving an acceptance doesn’t mean you’re done just yet. 

What to Do Next: 

● Review your options: If you’ve been accepted to multiple schools, you’ll need to choose the best fit for you. Consider factors like campus culture, programs of study, location, and financial aid offers. 

● Look at financial aid and scholarships: If your decision involves paying for college, review your financial aid package and scholarship offers carefully. This will help you assess the overall affordability. 

● Make your decision: You’ll likely have until May 1 to commit to a school (this is the national deadline for most schools). Once you decide, submit your enrollment deposit to secure your spot! 

2. Deferred: What Does It Mean? 

A deferral means that the college is postponing its decision, and this usually happens in Early Action or Early Decision applications. While it's not a rejection, it's also not an immediate acceptance. The school wants to review your application again with the Regular Decision pool. 

What to Do Next: 

● Stay patient: The admissions process isn’t over for you yet! Colleges may want to see how you perform during the second half of senior year, so make sure you finish strong!

● Review your application: Take time to review your application materials. Were there areas where you could improve or update information? If something major has changed in your life since you applied (ex: a new leadership role, awards, or achievements), you may want to send an updated resume or letter to the admissions office. 

● Consider your options: If you’re deferred from your top choice school, think about how you'll balance your expectations. Consider applying to other schools with rolling admissions or regular deadlines to keep your options open. 

3. Rejected: What Does It Mean? 

Being rejected is tough, but it’s important to remember that rejection is not a reflection of your worth or potential. Colleges have limited spots, and they often have to make difficult decisions based on factors beyond your control, such as overall class composition or institutional priorities.

What to Do Next: 

● Give yourself time to process: It’s normal to feel disappointed, and it's okay to take some time to digest the news. Talk to your family, friends, or a counselor about how you’re feeling. 

● Reflect on your strengths: Rejection can be a chance to reassess what you want in a college and where you can thrive. Use this opportunity to explore schools that might be a better fit for you, both academically and socially. 

● Focus on remaining options: If you have other applications pending, stay focused on them. Many students who are rejected from their dream schools find great success at other colleges, sometimes even discovering schools they hadn’t considered before. 

● Consider transferring later: If your heart is set on a particular school, remember that transferring is always an option after a year or two of college. Many students transfer to schools where they feel more aligned with the community! 

4. What to Do If You’re Waitlisted 

Some schools may offer a spot on the waitlist, which means they’re not offering you admission right now, but they could later if spots become available. 

What to Do Next: 

● Decide if you want to stay on the waitlist: Some students choose not to stay on the waitlist, while others see it as a final chance. Carefully weigh the pros and cons, and if you decide to remain on the list, follow any instructions the school provides. 

● Update the school: If you’ve had any recent achievements or updates to share, reach out to the admissions office with an update. This could help strengthen your position on the waitlist. 

● Make other plans: While it’s great to hope for a spot from the waitlist, make sure you’re prepared to attend another school if that doesn’t happen. 

5. What If You Don’t Have a Clear Decision Yet? 

If you’re in the waiting game with a school or several schools, it’s important to remain proactive and make sure you’re not neglecting your future. Many students will receive their decisions later in the spring. 

What to Do Next: 

● Continue working hard in school: Your senior year grades still matter. Colleges may ask for your mid-year or final transcripts, so make sure you finish the year strong.

● Check your email and portal regularly: Some colleges may have additional information or requests for students still waiting on decisions. 

● Explore other options: If you have no decisions yet or if you're waiting on a waitlist result, start considering other schools or gap year programs. It’s better to have a plan B, even if you’re holding out hope for your top choices. 

Final Thoughts

Understanding your college admissions results is just one part of your journey. Whether you’re accepted, deferred, rejected, waitlisted, or still waiting on decisions, there are always steps you can take to move forward. The admissions process can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. And no matter what happens, remember: you have a bright future ahead!

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