Accepted, Deferred, Denied – Next Steps

After spending months working hard on their college applications, our seniors are finally hearing back from schools where they applied under early admissions plans! However, even after you’ve submitted your applications and received a decision, there is still work to be done and options to be weighed. Today, we’ll share information to help you reach the best possible admissions outcome.

You will receive one of the following decisions:

Accepted: Congratulations, the college wants you to enroll!
Waitlisted: The college doesn’t have space within a specific school or major. However, you may be offered admission if spots open up after other admitted students decline.
Deferred: The college needs more time to consider and evaluate your materials. Your application will be reviewed again with the pool of Regular Decision applicants.
Rejected or Denied: The college has decided not to offer you admission.

If you are accepted:

Assess your options

If your acceptance is not binding, take the time to celebrate your achievement and wait to receive your decisions from other schools. For most colleges, you will have until May 1st to officially commit or withdraw your application, so carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. In the meantime, some schools will allow you to make a non-refundable deposit to secure certain advantages—like housing options—without fully committing.

Research and reflect

Although you’ve researched the schools you’ve applied to, now you’ll want to double down on this effort to ensure this school is the best possible fit for you and your goals. Check out the resources and opportunities available to you and take into account all factors (academic, extracurricular, campus community, location, etc.). Can you picture yourself living and thriving at this school professionally and personally?

Consider your finances

Before committing, remember to carefully review your financial aid package and make an appointment with the school's Financial Aid offices to discuss your offer and options. You’ll also want to account for other costs that won’t be included in tuition or room & board. Once you have a good idea of your financial responsibility, you can pursue additional scholarships or other forms of financial aid if needed.

Keep growing as a student and community member

Colleges will request and review your mid-year report and final high school transcript, so finish out your senior year strong! Keep up with your coursework and extracurricular activities to help you smoothly transition to the rigor and demand of college life. Additionally, take advantage of your final summer before college to explore your interests, gain further experience, and build connections at your school or within your field.

If you are deferred or waitlisted:

Write a letter of continued interest and/or submit update forms

The most effective way to increase your chances of admission when deferred or waitlisted is to reaffirm your commitment to the school through a letter of continued interest or an update form. No matter the format, you should 1) reemphasize your desire to attend the school, and 2) offer new information that strengthens your application. This can include an increase in GPA or rank, recent publications or research projects, new leadership positions, significant updates regarding extracurriculars, and/or awards. Check for your school’s policies and preferred method by contacting their admissions office or looking at their admissions website.

Strategize ways to improve your profile*

Whether you’re needing material for a meaningful letter of continued interest, or looking to improve your Regular Decision outcomes, use this decision as motivation to enhance your profile. What gaps can you identify in your application materials? How have you grown over the past semester? Seek out ways to take on more leadership roles, plan an independent project, submit a paper for publication, enter an upcoming competition, or increase your community service involvement. You can also focus on improving your application materials themselves. Maybe your Personal Statement can be reworked, your activities or resume can be reorganized, or you have developed a stronger relationship with a new recommender.

*This applies to students who are rejected as well

Sign up for optional alumni interviews

If a college offers the opportunity for you to schedule an in-person or virtual interview, take advantage of this opportunity to demonstrate your passion for the school and share more of your personality, interests, and goals in a less formal setting. Make sure to prepare for these interviews by practicing responses and researching the school and program in-depth.

If you are rejected or denied:

Reassess your college list

Although they can be difficult to face, rejections are a normal part of the college admissions process. Try not to view rejection as the end, but as an opportunity to reassess your goals and college list. To maximize your chances and receive a wider range of offers, consider applying to more safety and match schools through rolling admissions or Regular Decision.

Consider applying Early Decision II

Another option to increase your chances is to apply Early Decision II at a school that offers this plan. However, keep in mind that ED plans are binding, so you need to be excited and absolutely certain about attending this school if you are accepted (you’ll also need to be prepared to meet the corresponding financial obligations). Check out some top schools that offer ED II below:

Boston College: 1/1/25
Emory: 1/1/25
NYU: 1/1/25
Northeastern: 1/1/25
Vanderbilt: 1/1/25
Washington University in St. Louis - 1/2/25
Johns Hopkins: 1/3/25
Boston University: 1/4/25
Tufts: 1/4/25
University of Chicago: 1/4/25
Harvey Mudd: 1/5/25
Case Western Reserve: 1/15/25
Baylor: 2/1/25

File an appeal

Some colleges will offer students the opportunity to appeal their admission decision. Typically, this includes writing an appeal letter that offers context that was missing from your original application or significant academic or extracurricular updates (similar to the letter of continued interest). Before submitting an appeal, carefully review the school’s appeals process and procedures.

Need additional support?

The information above offers meaningful ways to make the most of your college application process. However, many of these strategies and steps can be challenging to navigate. If you need help writing a letter of continued interest or letter of appeal, brainstorming concrete ways to improve your profile, or even reevaluating your college list and expanding your search, B2A’s experienced college admissions counselors can help!

No matter what decisions you receive during this time, remember that your journey is unique—be sure to celebrate your successes as you work toward finding the best fit for your future!

Our B2A Counselors are here to help you weigh your acceptances and/or re-strategize your application approach after deferrals, waitlists, or rejections. Please contact our offices for 1:1 College Admissions Services to guide your next steps.