Handling an Early Decision Rejection

If I get rejected from my Early Decision school, what's the best strategy for applying to my other top-choice schools? Do I need to adjust my application in any way?

If you receive a rejection from your Early Decision school, it can be quite disappointing. However, it's important to remember that rejection from one college doesn't mean you're not a strong candidate or that you won't get into other excellent schools.

After an ED rejection, one of your key strategies should be to take another look at your application materials before you submit them again. You can use this as an opportunity to revisit your essays and fine-tune where necessary. If there is something in your application that you can improve on such as adding recent extracurricular accomplishments, do so.

Another key strategy is to carefully consider your Regular Decision college list. Make sure you have a mix of target, reach, and likely schools in there to maximize your options.

Also, ensure that your challenges, strengths, and ambitions are clear in your application. Rather than trying to be the ideal candidate for every school, focus on emphasizing your personal qualities and achievements that distinguish you.

Remember, every school has its own selection criteria, so a rejection from one school doesn't predict your chances at another. Keep your focus on crafting a thoughtful and authentic application that truly represents you. Don't lose hope, and stay focused!