When applying for admission to a university or college, you may receive a response that includes the term "standby." Here is what standby means on a CAO application:

• Standby is a guarantee: If you receive a standby spot at a university, it means that you have a standby place on a waiting list. This means that the institution is considering your application but has not yet decided whether they will be able to offer you a place.

• Waiting list: Standby is essentially a place on a waiting list. If a spot becomes available, the institution may offer it to someone on the standby list.

• Not ruled out: Receiving a standby spot does not mean that you have been ruled out for admission. It simply means that you are not guaranteed a spot at the institution at that time.

In summary, standby means that you have a place on a waiting list and the institution is considering your application, but has not yet decided whether they will be able to offer you a place.