By Bianca B

During this time, seniors patiently await letters from colleges to see whether or not they are accepted. For some, a definitive yes or no arrives. For others, a decision is deferred. Being deferred means the college has postponed its admissions decision. You’ll typically find out in the spring if you’ve been accepted or rejected.

When this happens, a college will typically ask you to send in your seventh semester grades and they will make their decision from there. Sometimes, the point of this is to make sure that you’re the type of student who keeps up with your school work. The admissions staff wants the chance to evaluate deferred students’ applications within the context of the larger decision pool.

Senior Alison Warren did an onsite admission in October for Grand Valley State University that resulted in a deferred decision. “The lady who interviewed me explained that their goal is to get everyone in. Although I was deferred, I have a high likelihood of being accepted. I was told that if I follow up with my grades and they show that I’m still putting forth effort, I can get accepted. I have been doing my best in school, but I haven’t made a decision of where I want to attend,” said Warren.

Senior Jacob Downey applied to Michigan State University online in late September and got notice that he was deferred. “I got an email on November 9 telling me to check my MSU account because my application status had been changed,” said Downey. “They told me I preferably needed a 3.5 GPA and 25+ ACT score, plus extra-curriculars. They also asked me to send in my seventh semester grades once I got them, so I plan on doing so,” he said.
Senior Sydni Mazer says that she waited a long time to hear back from the University of Michigan.“I logged on the website and found out that I got deferred,” said Mazer. “I have decided that I’m not going to take any of the precautions to get accepted into the University of Michigan. I will attend Michigan State University in the Fall.”