College Decisions, Decoded: What Acceptance, Deferral, and Denial Really Mean

Accepted: Congratulations! An acceptance means a student has been offered admission to the university. Please note this acceptance is contingent upon the student successfully completing graduation requirements and maintaining the same level of academic performance they demonstrated in the initial transcript review process. An offer of acceptance can be rescinded for academic or disciplinary reasons. Please ensure students make good decisions inside and outside the classroom. Positive decision-making will ensure a student's admission status is not jeopardized.

Deferral: A deferral means a student will be moved to the regular decision round for additional review. In the deferral notification, the university will inform the applicant if new materials can be submitted. New materials can include first-semester grades, updated test scores, or a personal statement. It is important that students review instructions on their portal to see if materials can be submitted and to check the university's preference for material submission.

If a student is deferred, do not panic. Many students who are deferred are admitted in the regular decision round. Regular decisions are typically released beginning late February through March.

Denial: This means the university has denied admission to a student for the upcoming school year. Do NOT equate this decision to a student's achievements or self-worth. Many students who are denied are more than capable of being successful at the university; however, tough decisions have to be made due to enrollment constraints and to ensure the class represents the institution's goals. If a student wants to pursue admission at the university later on, they may apply as a transfer applicant. Typically, a student is eligible for admission after completing a certain number of credit hours (many universities require 30 credit hours). Just know that several students are successful in the transfer evaluation process, as the majority of the transfer evaluation is based on college grades.

 

I cannot sugarcoat this, but receiving a denial decision is hard. It can especially be difficult if a student is hearing no for the very first time. Yes, a denial is disappointing, but do not allow it to be debilitating. Support students through this process and model grace. Students are still looking to their adults as leaders to support them in their process. Therefore, I am challenging each parent in our community to extend grace and support for students who may receive a denial letter. Be kind in your words and actions. Allow students time to grieve the denial and feel the emotions that come with such an experience. They may be angry, bitter, confused, sad, inconsolable, and you, too, for that matter, but do not stay stuck here. I am a firm believer that students land where they are supposed to and, in the end, students will go on to have a wonderful college experience regardless of the name of the university on the sweatshirt, coffee mug, or car decal.