
What Does “Application Status: In Review” Mean in College Admissions? Frequently Asked Questions
When you submit your college applications, you’ll typically receive an email or letter that confirms your application has been received. This communication will also include your application status, which may be “In Review.”

What does “In Review” mean?
The “In Review” status indicates that your application has been received and is being evaluated by the admissions committee. The committee will consider your academic record, test scores, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
The review process can take several weeks or even months, so it’s important to be patient. During this time, you may be contacted by the admissions office for additional information or to schedule an interview.
What should you do while your application is in review?
While you wait for a decision, there are a few things you can do:
- Check your application portal regularly. The admissions office may post updates on your application status or request additional information.
- Contact the admissions office. If you have any questions about your application, don’t hesitate to contact the admissions office. However, avoid contacting the office too frequently, as this can be seen as pushy.
- Relax. It’s important to remember that the admissions process is competitive. Don’t stress out too much while your application is in review.
What happens after your application is reviewed?
Once the admissions committee has reviewed your application, you will receive a decision. The decision may be:
- Admitted: You have been accepted to the college.
- Denied: You have not been accepted to the college.
- Waitlisted: You have been placed on a waitlist, which means that you may be admitted if other applicants decline their offers of admission.
If you are admitted, you will typically have a few weeks to decide whether to accept the offer. If you are denied, you can ask the admissions office for feedback on your application. If you are waitlisted, you will typically be notified if you have been admitted off the waitlist by the end of the summer.
Additional tips
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- Apply to multiple colleges. This will increase your chances of getting into at least one college.
- Submit your applications early. This gives the admissions committee more time to review your application.
- Write a strong personal statement. This is your chance to show the admissions committee who you are and why you would be a good fit for their college.
- Get good grades and test scores. This is one of the most important factors in the admissions process.
- Be involved in extracurricular activities. This shows the admissions committee that you are a well-rounded individual.
- Get letters of recommendation from people who know you well. These letters should attest to your academic ability, character, and extracurricular involvement.
The college admissions process can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that it’s also an opportunity to showcase your strengths and passions. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting into the college of your choice.
- How long does it take for an application to be reviewed?
The review process can take several weeks or even months.
- What should I do if I have not heard back from a college after several months?
Contact the admissions office to inquire about the status of your application.
- What are my chances of getting admitted if my application is “In Review”?
The admissions committee considers many factors when making their decisions, so it is difficult to say what your chances are. However, being “In Review” is a good sign that your application is being taken seriously.
- What should I do if I am denied admission?
You can ask the admissions office for feedback on your application. You can also apply to other colleges that you are interested in.
- What should I do if I am waitlisted?
You will typically be notified if you have been admitted off the waitlist by the end of the summer. In the meantime, you can continue to apply to other colleges and work on improving your academic record and extracurricular activities.