Written by Amanda, University of Pennsylvania

The college application process can be a rollercoaster, especially after you get your Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) results! Whether you’ve been accepted, deferred, or rejected, it’s important to regroup and strengthen your remaining applications for Regular Decision (RD). Here’s how to handle each situation and how to make your remaining applications even stronger! 

How to Handle Deferrals, Rejections, or Acceptances 

1. What to Do if You’re Deferred 

A deferral means the college decided not to make a decision yet and will look at your application again during the Regular Decision pool. It’s not a “yes” or “no” yet, but it can still feel disappointing. Here’s how to navigate this result: 

● Stay Grounded: A deferral isn’t a rejection. Keep working hard in school and stay confident that there’s still a chance!

● Reaffirm Your Interest: Write a letter of continued interest to the college. In the letter, tell them you’re still really interested in attending, and update them on any new achievements since you first applied (new grades, awards, or extracurricular activities). 

● Keep Improving: Take another look at your application. Is there anything else you can add to show your progress or strengths? This could help your chances when they review your application again! 

2. What to Do if You’re Rejected 

Rejection from a college can hurt, but it doesn’t define you. Here’s how to move forward:

● Allow Yourself to Feel: It’s okay to feel upset, so take some time to process it. Talk to someone you trust about how you feel. 

● Look at the Bigger Picture: A rejection isn’t the end of the world; it’s a chance to focus on other schools that might be a better fit for you. 

● Refocus on Your Remaining Applications: Now, focus on your Regular Decision applications. Look at what you can improve based on your early applications and continue to do your best! 

3. What to Do if You’re Accepted 

Congratulations if you’ve been accepted! But don’t forget there’s still work to do:

● Evaluate Your Options: Take time to consider whether the school that accepted you is the right fit for you. But also keep an eye on your other applications, especially if you’re still waiting to hear from other colleges. 

● Stay Focused: Even though you’ve been accepted, colleges want you to continue working hard and staying involved in school activities. Keep your grades up and finish your senior year strong. 

How to Strengthen Your Regular Decision Applications

1. Update Your Application 

After getting your Early Decision or Early Action results, you may have learned some things about your application. Here’s how to improve your Regular Decision applications:

● Revise Your Essays: If you feel your early essays didn’t fully reflect who you are, now is the time to make them better. Think about what you’ve learned since submitting those essays and add anything new that shows your growth or maturity. 

● Add New Achievements: If you’ve earned new awards, joined a new club, or improved your grades, make sure to include those in your Regular Decision applications. Colleges want to see how you’re still growing! 

2. Stay Organized 

With so many deadlines and tasks, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s how to stay on track:

● Create a Schedule: List out all your application deadlines and break the tasks into smaller steps. That way, you won’t be rushing at the last minute. 

● Double-Check Everything: Make sure all parts of your application, like test scores, recommendation letters, and transcripts, are complete. Mistakes can hurt your chances, so review everything carefully! 

3. Focus on What You Can Control 

The college admissions process can be stressful, but remember that there are things you can control: 

● Keep Working Hard: Colleges will want to see that you’re still dedicated in your senior year. Keep doing your best in school and your activities! 

● Take Care of Yourself: Try not to let the stress of applications overwhelm you. Make time for things that make you happy, like spending time with friends or doing a hobby! 

Prepare for Results! 

After receiving your Early Decision or Early Action results, it’s important to stay calm and focused. Whether you’ve been deferred, rejected, or accepted, use this time to strengthen your Regular Decision applications.

Update your essays, add new accomplishments, and stay organized as you finish up the rest of your applications. Remember, the college journey is a long one, and the best fit for you is still out there. Keep working hard, and trust that things will work out!

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