Application Outcomes
Acceptance, Deferral, Denial, and the Waitlist
At Cultivate, we refer to our core values as the “Cultiv8”. The values that the Cultiv8 encompass are intentionality, reflection, open mindedness, resilience, expression, engagement, balance, and confidence. As students begin to submit their college applications, we are reminded to hold the value of engagement in the forefront. There are several outcomes that a student can receive during the application process: acceptance, deferral, denial, or waitlisted. Students must remain vigilant and on top of their application by staying engaged in the process via their college portal after they submit.
During the application process, if a student isn’t accepted during the early application round of admittance, they can be deferred or denied. If an admissions officer feels that the student’s application did not meet the standards of acceptance for their school, the student will be denied. On the other hand, a student can get deferred if a school wants to hold their application for the Regular Decision process (as opposed to Early Decision). Not only will the student remain a candidate for that school, but being deferred gives applicants the opportunity to submit additional information, resume-boosters, or test scores. These resources can strengthen your application and help you stand out amongst those submitting with Regular Decision. This is why it is critical to stay engaged with the college portal- the earlier a student knows their status, the more time they’ll have to strategize and plan their next move.
If a student isn’t accepted, deferred, or denied, it’s likely that they have been added to the waitlist. This can happen if the application meets admission requirements, but the university has already accepted the maximum number of applicants for the incoming class. If a student who was accepted forfeits or loses their spot, students placed on the waitlist are eligible to take their place. If a student is on the waitlist for a college high on their priority list, they should contact the admissions officer at that school and inquire about their status. Often, students can find out where they stand on the waitlist and if their chances of getting in are likely. Applicants may also take the opportunity to provide additional academic or extra-curricular achievements that were not listed on their initial application like new test scores, awards, or accomplishments.
Much like being deferred, it’s critical that students are on top of their college portals if they’re waitlisted. Some schools will automatically place a student on their waitlist, while others ask students if they’d like to be placed on it. Universities will also usually provide information about their waitlist procedure, so follow the instructions they provide to you. This in itself can be a weeding-out process! Students who don’t follow the school’s instructions correctly may not be added to the waitlist. Some applicants make the conscious decision to remove themselves from the waitlist based upon the other admissions decisions. This means a student’s position on the waitlist can improve as admission season moves forward. Staying active on the college portal is important so students can be engaged in this process.
Contact your Cultivate coach today and let’s strategize your strongest admissions plan!
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