As college application season heats up, many high school seniors are navigating the exciting yet nerve-wracking process of applying to their dream schools. For those who have applied in the early rounds, many Early Decision 1 and Early Action deadlines are TODAY, while others, including Early Decision 2 deadlines extend into January.
EARLY DECISION NOTIFICATION DATES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
We realize the time between submitting your applications and when you learn your admissions results can be nerve-wracking and stressful. Here are a few tips to manage any anxieties you might be feeling and your expectations over the next couple of months.
Don’t Take It Personally: Regardless of the outcome, remember that you put your best foot forward. Your admissions result does not reflect who you are as a person. Each year the rubric for what a specific college or university might be looking for in a “class” changes, and no one has a crystal ball.
Stay Positive and Busy: Engage with your families, friends and activities you enjoy to help keep your mind busy during the waiting period.
Prepare for All Possible Outcomes: You might be Accepted, Denied, or Deferred. If you’re deferred, you’ll be reconsidered during the regular decision round. We can help!
Don’t Make Comparisons: Every student is unique, as is their college application process. What’s right for you might not be right for the next person, so keep your own counsel but be sure to have your support system in place should you need to talk things out. Ultimately, you need to do what’s best for you.
Be a Forward-Thinker: If accepted, know the next steps you’ll need to take to secure your spot. Deferred? Will you be writing a letter of continued interest? Denied? Be sure that once all of your early school applications are submitted, you turn to your regular round applications. Write any additional supplements needed and load everything into the Common App NOW so you aren’t answering Common App questions, writing essays and panicking over the winter holiday!
Stay Organized and Focused: Don’t forget to monitor your application portals, keep up your grades, and continue to show demonstrated interest!
TTA Top Tip: Before your next set of application deadlines, take advantage of our expert guidance through our Application Review program to ensure you have fully maximized your application materials.
Your August Edge Starts Here: Application Boot Camp®
Complete your Common App and supplemental essays, build a school list aligned to your profile, and develop a clear admissions strategy—guided by the Top Tier Admissions team. In our 22 years running Boot Camp, our counselors have helped thousands of students earn admission to the country’s most selective colleges.
