Introduction
December can feel like an emotional roller coaster for seniors. During these few weeks, students see every possible outcome show up in their portals: admitted, deferred, referred, waitlisted, denied, incomplete, or some other version of these. For counselors, this stretch of the year is all about steady guidance. Our job is to help students understand what these decisions really mean, what comes next, how to respond to each, and how to keep moving through the application season with confidence.

How to guide admitted, deferred, and denied students with clarity and calm

Below is a practical guide you can use with your seniors and families. It covers what each decision means, what students should do next, and how to talk them through it without adding stress. I’ve also added simple scripts and a one-page student resource at the end.

1. When Students Are Admitted

This is the fun part, but even excitement can lead to confusion or pressure to enroll before they’re ready.

What to remind students:

• Celebrate appropriately. Encourage gratitude and humility, especially at school.
• Log into the portal. They should read every line and check for any steps they must complete.
• Financial aid is not final yet. Admission does not equal affordability.
• Deposit deadlines vary. Early Action admits still have until May 1, but some programs, scholarships, or majors may have earlier steps.
• They do not need to withdraw other applications yet. Not unless it is binding.

What you can say:
“You worked hard for this. Take a moment to enjoy it, then check your portal for next steps. We still want to keep your Regular Decision list strong until you know more about financial aid.”

2. When Students Are Deferred or Referred

Many students panic at the word “deferred,” and many parents misunderstand it entirely or mistakenly tell their neighbors their child was waitlisted. This is where your calm, experienced voice matters most.

What a deferral does mean:

• The application is still alive.
• The college wants to review it again in the Regular Decision pool.
• They may want stronger midyear grades or accomplishments.
• They may want to compare the student with the larger RD group.
• They may simply be managing volume and space.

What a deferral does not mean:

• It is not a polite rejection.
• It is not a negative judgment on character or potential.
• It is not something the student caused by missing a minor detail.
• If anything, it shows the student that they are “admissible” and have what it takes to be admitted.

Why continued interest matters so much

Colleges with huge application volume rely on signals. One of the most reliable indicators is whether a deferred student:

• logs into their portal,
• submits the required form,
• writes the optional update letter,
• and follows instructions quickly and neatly.

Showing continued interest is often the easiest, most measurable yield indicator a college has. Students who complete these steps tend to be taken more seriously in the RD review for many institutions.

What students should do next:

• Read the portal instructions carefully. Every college has different rules about what they allow.
• Submit the “continued interest” or “update” form quickly and politely. Short, clear, and genuine.
  • There may or may not be one, but have your students check carefully for one.
• Provide new grades, awards, or updates once midyear transcripts are available.
• Stay focused on school. Strong senior grades matter more after a deferral.
• Keep their RD list balanced. Do not count on the deferred school to work out, they must have other target colleges to ensure they have great options where they have been admitted by May 1.

What counselors can say:

“This is not a no. It means they want to look again in the larger pool. The most important thing now is to follow the portal instructions and show continued interest. That part really does make a difference.”

3. When Students Are Denied

Rejections sting. They sting even when students “expected it.” Even though we tell them not to, they take it personally. They sting even more when the whole class is comparing outcomes.

This is where tone matters.

What to remind students:

• This decision is about institutional priorities, not their worth or potential.
• A denial does not close the door on their future goals.
• A strong RD list can still lead to excellent fit and outcomes.
• Their path is not off track.

What to do next:

• Pivot quickly to Regular Decision planning.
• Review the list for balance, affordability, and personal fit.
• Avoid impulsive applications out of panic.
• Talk through transfer pathways if that aligns with long-term goals.

What counselors can say:

“I know this hurts, and that is normal. This decision does not define you. There is a lot going on behind the scenes that go into these admissions processes. You have many paths forward, and we can build a strong plan from here.”

4. What Counselors Can Say in Each Scenario

Use these short scripts in emails, meetings, or quick hallway check-ins.

For admitted students:

“Congratulations. Take time to enjoy this and then read your portal carefully. We will keep your RD plan steady until financial aid comes in.”

For deferred students:

“This is still an active application. Follow the steps in your portal, especially any forms or update letters. Showing continued interest helps.”

For students who were denied:

“I know this is disappointing. You are still on track and you did all you could. Your goals are still reachable. Let’s talk through your Regular Decision plan.”

Resource: Decision Season Student Guide

You can share this as a handout, email attachment, or counseling webpage.

---

Decision Season Student Guide

If You Are Admitted:

• Log into your portal.
• Read all next steps.
• Keep your grades strong.
• Keep your RD list until financial aid arrives.

If You Are Deferred or Referred:

• Submit any required forms or update letters.
• Upload new grades when available.
• Show continued interest through your portal.
• Stay focused academically.
• Keep your RD list balanced and realistic.

If You Are Denied:

• Allow yourself to feel disappointed.
• Meet with your counselor to adjust your RD list.
• Look closely at fit, affordability, and options.
• Remember that this is one college, not your future.

Other Possible Decisions (Quick Guide)

Along with admit, defer, and deny, some colleges use a few other decision types. These can be confusing at first, but each one has a clear meaning and next step. With any of these, I would strongly recommend reaching out to the college to get a strong grasp on what exactly that means and what the pros/cons are.

Alternate Term (Spring or Summer Admit)

Some colleges admit students but for a different start term.
What it means: You are admitted, just not for fall.
What to do: Read the portal carefully, ask questions about housing and schedules, and decide whether the alternate term fits your plans.

Referral to Another Campus or Program

You may be placed in or offered admission to a different campus in the system or a pathway program.
What it means: The college sees you as a strong match, but space or major capacity is limited.
What to do: Look honestly at whether the referral fits your goals. These pathways often lead to the main campus later.

Waitlisted

Less common in December but still possible.
What it means: The college may offer you a spot later if space opens.
What to do: Accept your waitlist spot if you are still interested, keep your RD list strong, and finish the year with solid grades.

Incomplete Application

Your application materials were not fully processed.
What it means: Something is missing or still being matched.
What to do: Check your portal, communicate with admissions if needed, and make sure all items are submitted correctly.

Closing
December decisions are some of the most emotional moments of senior year. With the right guidance, students can feel grounded, supported, and hopeful no matter which outcome they receive. These conversations do not have to be dramatic or complicated. A steady voice, a few practical next steps, and a reminder that their path is still wide open can make all the difference.