Early Decision Didn’t Go Your Way? Here’s What to Do Next

It started years ago… extracurriculars, rigorous classes, thoughtful growth. You connected the dots, stayed the course, and worked hard to build an impressive college application. Maybe you partnered with a counselor to perfect your college list, and ultimately, you decided that your dream school deserved an Early Decision (ED) application. You poured your heart into crafting essays, double-checked every detail, and held your breath as you hit “submit.”

Then, the decision came. You didn’t get in.

If you’ve found yourself here, know this: you’re not alone. Every year, many students face deferrals, waitlists, or outright rejections from their top-choice schools. And while it may feel like the end of the world right now, it isn’t. This was always part of the plan, and you’re prepared to keep moving forward.

Step 1: Understand What Happened

• Deferred: The college believes you’re capable of succeeding but wants to reevaluate your application alongside the regular decision pool. You’ll hear back by March or April. Stay optimistic—you’re still in the running.
• Waitlisted: The school feels you’re a possible fit but is prioritizing other applicants first. If space opens after May 1, you may be offered a spot. For now, plan to commit to another school.
• Rejected: The college determined that another school might be a better match for you. It’s tough to hear, but this doesn’t reflect your potential or future success.

Step 2: Keep Perspective

For most students, Early Decision schools are “reaches”—dream schools where acceptance rates remain low even with the statistical advantage of ED. You knew this going in, and that’s why your application strategy accounted for this possibility.

Chances are, you applied to other schools Early Action and are prepared to submit additional Regular Decision (RD) applications. You’ve already done a lot of the heavy lifting—filling out the Common App, polishing your personal statement, securing recommendation letters, and drafting supplemental essays. You’re in a great position to finish strong.

Even if you procrastinated on RD applications because your heart was set on ED, don’t panic. The momentum you built during the ED process will carry you forward. Much of the work you’ve done can be repurposed and refined for other schools.

Step 3: Recharge and Reframe

Take a moment to catch your breath. Let yourself feel disappointed—it’s okay to grieve this loss. Then, when you’re ready, shift your focus to what comes next.

Completing your RD applications will not only move you closer to achieving your goals but will also help you regain a sense of control. With each new submission, the sting of disappointment will lessen, and your excitement for other opportunities will grow.

Keep this in mind: where you go to college doesn’t determine your destiny—you do. The resilience you show now will shape your future in ways you can’t yet imagine.

Step 4: Stick to the Plan

Your college journey isn’t over—it’s just beginning. The work you’ve done so far has set you up for success no matter where you land. Trust that the effort, thought, and care you’ve invested will guide you to a school where you can thrive.‍

Life has a way of surprising us. What feels like a disappointment now may open doors to opportunities you never considered. Stay the course, lean into the process, and remember: your potential isn’t defined by one decision—it’s defined by what you do next.

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