There are few different results that come after you apply:
Accepted: This is the most ideal result and means you have been admitted to the college. It is usually conditional, meaning that you have to maintain your credentials for the rest of high school.
Rejected: This means you were declined a seat in the class and that you cannot change that. This is a final verdict.
Deferred: This applies to early applicants. It means that you will be considered in the regular applicant pool. It often is due to missing information or the committee wanting to see your first semester grades. You should send all relevant new information if you are deferred.
Waitlisted: This occurs after the regular admissions decisions are out. They will put some students on a waitlist, so that if room frees up in the class they will grant you acceptance. Most schools do not require a letter from the applicant after a waitlisted status, but if they do, the letter should be specific to you and the college and should share any new progress that could benefit your chances.
Deferred Admission (Harvard calls it the Z-List): This is an option that you can opt into or you will be presented as your only choice if you wish to attend the school. It means you take a year off from schooling before you matriculate at the school. You are essentially accepted into next year’s class. This option gives you a year to pursue non-academic interests such as volunteering, researching, or travelling. Some use it work and save money for college. Whatever your choice, the school that you deferred admission to will be waiting the next fall for you. Some see it as a year being wasted, but in reality it is an extra year of your life. It is one of the only times in your life that you will be completely free of school and family responsibilities. There are many programs that specialize in Gap Year planning.
