7 Things For Early Admission Applicants To Keep In Mind

Here’s What Students Need To Remember As They’re Notified of Their Early Admission Decisions

As mid-December approaches, so do early decision release dates. Many students who applied early decision or early action to their top-choice colleges will learn their fate over the next week or so, and it can be an extremely stressful time. However, there are a lot of positive things to consider as early admission applicants wait to hear from their dream schools.

Applying early decision or early action is a big commitment. While admission rates tend to be higher in the early round, the applicant pool is considerably competitive, and if you applied early decision an acceptance is binding, meaning many students will know where they’re attending college in the fall within just a few days. This can be an exciting, stressful, and sometimes scary time, but it’s not all bad. As you wait to hear back from your early decision or action schools – here are a few things to keep in mind.

A rejection is not the end of the world!

Unfortunately, colleges can’t accept every student who applies. A rejection in the early round can be extremely defeating, and leaves many students feeling pretty lousy. It’s important to remember that, while not ideal, an early round rejection doesn’t mean your college dreams are over. If you have a balanced college list, and an application strategy, you still have ample time to complete any regular decision applications – and even ED II at another top-choice school if you’ve planned ahead with your college counselor.

Neither is a deferral.

Deferrals can be just as disappointing as rejections for some students. Remember: It’s not over! This just means your application will get a second chance in the regular round. Develop a plan of action and work with your college counselor to make sure you have the best chance of admission in the regular round, and that you’re completing your other regular decision applications on time.

You’re not going through this alone.

Chances are you have dozens and dozens of friends who are going through the same college admissions process right now. You’re not the first to apply and be rejected, accepted, or deferred. Lean on your friends and support each other through this crazy time! If you need some help, guidance, or just someone to listen, reach out to your parents, friends, teachers, and counselors. You have an entire support system to help you through this admissions season – use it!

You’re getting a bit of a break.

The best part about early decision time is the break from school that comes after it! Take some time this winter break to relax, unwind, spend quality time with family and friends, and forget about college applications for a bit. Don’t completely forget, though, that regular decision deadlines are just a couple of weeks away and you need to make sure you’re on track to get any additional applications done ahead of time.

It’s the holiday season!

It’s a magical time of year! Get excited about celebrating the holiday season and ringing in 2018! Don’t let your application anxiety take away from your holiday enjoyment.

There’s still a lot of high school left.

A lot of students will feel anxiety about this season of change. College is top of mind and the thought of moving or a new routine next fall can feel overwhelming. Remember, you still have a semester of high school left! That’s plenty of time to spend with friends, continue to pursue the activities you love, and make memories before the start of college next year.

You will get in somewhere.

This decision release time can send a lot of students into spiraling self-doubt – especially if an early application results in a rejection. Don’t forget: If you applied to a balanced list of best-fit likely, reach, and target colleges you will get in to a school where you will be successful and happy! It’s important to remember that this process isn’t perfect, but if you’re smart about where and how you apply, you won’t have to worry about having no offers of admission come springtime.

Good luck to those learning of their early admission decisions this month! If you need guidance with a rejection or deferral, or just some help finishing up those last few regular decision applications, contact us today for more information on our college counseling services for high school seniors!