Early Decision and Early Action Admissions Decisions Are Here: Accepted, Deferred, or Denied. Now What?
Early Decision and Early Action admissions decisions are here: Accepted, Deferred, or Denied.
Whatever your result, there are more things that you can do.
If You Are Deferred: Understanding Your Admissions Decisions
Take a deep breath. It’s not over. Typically, about 10% of students who are deferred admission end up getting in during the Regular Decision round.
1. Find Out What the College Wants
Students should determine what the college requires, what’s appropriate to provide, and respect their rules. If a college specifically states that deferred students should not submit additional application materials, then do not send in materials. Students can ruin their chances for Regular Decision by not following directions.
2. Semester/Mid-Year Grades
If applicable, ask your counselor to please send these grades to the university. If you have been on an upward trajectory, the university may be waiting to see these grades.
3. Email Your ED/EA School (If Allowed)
After Winter Break, in mid-January, write a compelling letter to the admissions officer of your ED/EA school stating that their school is still your first choice (if it still is). It will seem more sincere at that time and won’t get lost in the flood of emails from other deferred students. Universities want to admit students who they believe are likely to attend. Include updates about recent accomplishments since you applied, other activities you’ve undertaken, and/or excitement about your first semester grades.
4. Check with Your School Counselor
Ask if the universities offered your counselor any insight or perspective. Were there any red flags? Usually, there are NOT. It’s just the numbers. Also, ask your counselor if it might be appropriate to have another letter of recommendation submitted on your behalf.
5. Address Application Gaps
Did you have any deficits in your application? Can you take an ACT/SAT now that you couldn’t before? Could you do a community service project over break and update admissions about that? Is there a short Coursera course you can take over break?
6. Consider Applying ED2
It might be better to reach for the “surety of execution” (not that anything is assured) rather than other moonshot schools.
7. Refocus on Regular Decision Applications
Get to work on your other Regular Decision applications with enthusiasm. Your story is not written yet.
Re-read your personal statement with fresh eyes. Does it still reflect the person you are? You can change your personal statement on the Common Application for schools to which you have not yet applied. Maybe show it to a new teacher or adult to see if it is sending the message you intend.
Reconsider your supplemental essays. Are your responses specific to each school? Do you give examples?
Triple-check for errors. Make sure you name the correct school and avoid grammatical mistakes.
Love your list! Make sure you’re applying to enough schools where you’ll be happy. This is not the time to test your limits. If you are a city person, don’t gamble on rural life. Be realistic about where you’ll thrive.
If You Are Denied
We are so sorry. Eat a pint of ice cream. Lick your wounds. Take a walk. And then, gain some perspective. This is not a reflection on you as a person, your abilities, or an indicator of future success. You will get into a great school. We believe in the power of the universe directing you toward your path.
Read our suggestions for deferred students above—they still apply.
Hold your head high. Be proud of who you are and everything you’ve accomplished to get here. This journey is HARD. You’re going to have a great life.
Watch Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania. Frank Bruni’s book, by the same name, is inspiring.
If You Are Admitted
Yay! Congratulations!
1. Withdraw Your Other Applications ASAP
Many students are waiting for those spots. It helps universities to know how many spaces are still available. Not to suggest that colleges replace one student from your high school with another, but it does help them plan.
How to withdraw: Look online at the school’s portal. If no option is listed, send a short, polite, and grateful email to the admissions office’s general inbox. Colleges talk amongst themselves and do share stories. We know of cases where rude students have had their acceptances revoked.
2. Be Respectful on Social Media
Show restraint when posting. Many friends are unhappy with their results, and it’s better not to rub it in their faces.
3. Start Connecting (Gently)
Check Facebook or other platforms to see if students are introducing themselves, but “read the room” and follow social cues. Don’t overexpose yourself too early.
Need Help Navigating Admissions Decisions?
If you’d like more information or want to set up a complimentary consultation, please reach out to us here:
👉 thecollegecurators.com/contact-us
We’re here to help you plan your next move with clarity and confidence.
