What does 'processed application' mean in the college context?

I've been checking my college applications and noticed some are marked as 'processed.' Can anyone explain what this means in terms of my application status? Does it imply any decision, or are there more steps involved?

"Processed" in the context of college applications generally means that the admissions office has received all necessary components of your application (like your transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, etc.) and has added your application to their system for review. So, it's essentially just a confirmation that they've received everything needed to evaluate your application and it's currently in the queue to be reviewed by the admissions committee.

However, "processed" does not imply any admissions decision. This is, in fact, one of the early stages in the application process. There are quite a few more steps involved before a decision is made. After processing, your application will progress to an initial review, possibly move on to a committee review if necessary, and finally be assigned a decision.

These steps can vary depending on the institution, because each has its own review processes and timelines. You may want to consult the admissions page of each specific college you've applied to for a better understanding of their process. Keep in mind that these stages can take some time, especially during application peaks. It's a good practice to regularly check your application portal for updates.