What to Do When Early Action and Early Decision Results Arrive.

The Moment of Truth!

As December rolls in, so do Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) results—a time filled with anticipation, nerves, and the hope of seeing that coveted acceptance letter. Whether you receive the news you’ve been dreaming of or find yourself navigating a less-than-ideal outcome, there’s a clear path forward. Let’s break it down.

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🎉 Accepted to Your Dream School? Celebrate and Strategize!

First, take a moment to soak in the excitement. You’ve worked hard for this, and your efforts have paid off. Now, here’s what’s next:

1. Confirm Your Acceptance:

   • If you applied ED, remember this is binding. Notify other schools you’ve applied to that you’ll no longer be pursuing admission.

   • For EA, the acceptance is non-binding, so you can still weigh your options if you’re waiting on Regular Decision results.

2. Celebrate Responsibly:
   Share the news with your loved ones, but be mindful of others who may not have received good news. A little empathy goes a long way.

3. Plan Financially:

   • Review your financial aid package (if provided) and reach out to the college’s financial aid office with questions.

   • Consider outside scholarships to reduce future debt.

4. Stay Engaged:
   Your acceptance isn’t the end of the journey. Maintain good grades and involvement in extracurriculars. Colleges can rescind offers if your academic performance drops significantly.

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🤔 Waitlisted or Deferred? Stay Positive and Proactive

Receiving a deferral or waitlist notification isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your continued interest and commitment. Here’s what to do:

1. Understand the Decision:

   • Deferred (EA/ED): Your application will be reconsidered with the Regular Decision pool.

   • Waitlisted: You might be offered admission if spots open after deposits are collected.

2. Take Action:

   • Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOC). Express your strong desire to attend, highlight any new achievements, and reaffirm how you’re a great fit.

   • Update the college on any significant accomplishments, like improved grades, awards, or new leadership roles.

3. Explore Other Options:
   Continue applying to other schools on your list. Ensure you have a balanced mix of reach, match, and safety schools.

4. Stay Calm and Focused:
   Remember, deferrals and waitlists don’t reflect your worth or potential. Many students find their perfect fit at schools they hadn’t initially prioritized.

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💔 Denied? Process, Reflect, and Move Forward

Rejection stings, but it doesn’t define your future. Here’s how to handle it with resilience:

1. Allow Yourself to Feel:
   Take time to acknowledge your disappointment. It’s okay to feel upset, but don’t let it consume you.

2. Seek Feedback:
   While most colleges don’t provide detailed feedback, you can reflect on your application with a counselor or mentor to identify areas for improvement.

3. Focus on Your Other Applications:
   Strengthen your essays, secure glowing recommendations, and tailor your applications to the schools still on your list.

4. Remember the Bigger Picture:
   Your success in college and beyond doesn’t depend solely on the name of the school you attend. It’s about the opportunities you create for yourself wherever you go.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Whether the news brings joy or disappointment, this is just one step in your journey. The college process can feel overwhelming, but remember: the school you attend will be a place for growth, learning, and connection—not the sole determinant of your future.

Keep moving forward, stay open to new possibilities, and trust that you’ll end up where you’re meant to be. Good luck! 💙

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Have questions about deferrals, financial aid, or navigating the rest of the application process? Let’s talk in the comments or on the next post!