Each spring—and sometimes earlier in the admissions cycle—high school seniors receive one of several different decisions from colleges. While an acceptance is easy to understand, other outcomes can feel confusing. Students may see terms such as waitlisted, deferred, or rejected, and many wonder what these decisions really mean for their chances of admission. Understanding the differences can help students respond strategically and move forward with confidence.
Read MoreFor high school seniors who receive a waitlist decision, one of the most common questions is: Should I send a Letter of Continued Interest? In many cases, the answer is yes—if the college allows it. A thoughtful Letter of Continued Interest (often called a LOCI) gives students an opportunity to reaffirm their interest in a college and provide meaningful updates since submitting their application. However, not all letters are equally effective.
Read MoreWhat are the actual chances of being admitted from a waitlist? The answer varies widely by college and by year. Some institutions admit hundreds of students from their waitlist, while others admit very few—or none at all. Understanding how waitlists work and what the data shows can help students approach the situation with realistic expectations.
Read MoreWhile it can feel frustrating or confusing, a waitlist decision does not mean the admissions process is over. Colleges use waitlists to manage uncertainty in enrollment, and some students are admitted from the waitlist each year. If you’ve been waitlisted, the key is to respond strategically while continuing to move forward with your college plans. Here are the most important steps students should take.
Read MoreBy early March, most high school seniors have already submitted their college applications. Major deadlines have passed—November 30 for the University of California system and around January 1 for many private universities across the United States. However, the admissions cycle is far from over. Each year, many four-year colleges and universities continue to accept applications well into the spring through extended deadlines or rolling admissions. For students who are still considering their options—or who may have missed earlier deadlines—March can still be a viable time to apply to college.
Read MoreFor many, the phrase "high school volunteer club" conjures images of students collecting canned goods or selling baked goods to fulfill the community service hours required for college applications. But what if a different model existed? A closer look at the operational framework of IMPACT ChangeMakers reveals an organization that offers a profound alternative, empowering young people to move beyond simple volunteering and become architects of genuine change in their communities.
Read MoreA deferral means the admissions committee saw promise in your application but wants more context—often senior-year grades, updated achievements, or a broader comparison with the regular decision pool. Many deferred students are academically qualified. Unlike a rejection, a deferral keeps your application active. Unlike a waitlist, you are still under full consideration and may be admitted outright in the regular decision round.
Read MoreEach year, families ask whether applying early—through Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA)—can make a meaningful difference in college admissions. This year’s results show that, when done thoughtfully, it can.
Read MoreJoin us for this free webinar recording and learn what students from the class of 2025 did to get into top colleges and universities!
Read MoreThe University of California (UC) currently follows a test-free admissions policy—SAT and ACT scores are not considered at all in undergraduate admissions decisions. However, the U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration recently issued a so-called “Dear Colleague” letter to colleges and universities where it stated that race-based admissions policies are unlawful under the Equal Protection Clause. Even facially neutral policies (like dropping the SAT) violate the law if motivated by racial considerations.
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