If you listed CSE as first choice and CLA as second, how will the decision be sent out? Could they defer CSE and admit to CLA? Or just direct admit to CLA if you don’t have the stats needed for CSE?
Good question. This is the first year they have actually introduced “deferred” as a possible decision so it’s not clear whether they would defer the entire application for the fence straddlers or just the college. The description hints that it might be the entire application:
“Defer: A deferred admissions decision means that we need more time and more information about our applicant pool in order to make our final decision. The overall strength of our applicant pool and the number of spaces available in each freshman-admitting college will determine the admission decision. An update will be provided to the student by March 31st.”
http://admissions.tc.umn.edu/freshman/overview.html
As they very helpfully publish the stats of admitted students by college (see below), one would be able to read into a deferral either hopeful or not-so-hopeful news. For instance, if you know you were a bit of a reach for CSE but a match/safety for CLA, a “deferred” might mean they are still considering you for CSE but need the next pool of applicants to make a decision one way or the other. On the other hand, if CSE was a clear reach AND CLA was a bit of a reach, then “deferred” might at best mean placement in CLA once the dust settles. Here are the most recent stats by college:
https://admissions.tc.umn.edu/academics/profile.html
Keep in mind that it’s not just about stats as there may be secondary factors to consider as well (see primary and secondary factors in the first link). A secondary factor won’t keep you out of your first choice, but it could nudge you in that direction. However, stats are primary so will be given the most weight.
We’ll see once the Jan 31 deadline roles around - hopefully those deferred will volunteer their application information and decision details so that everyone - including those applying in future years, will have some clarity.
Thank you @JBStillFlying