Options After Early Decision Rejection

What should I do if I'm rejected from an Early Decision application? How do I proceed with Regular Decision applications, and are there any schools with later deadlines I should consider?

Firstly, it's important not to let an Early Decision (ED) rejection discourage you. Putting together a competitive application is a significant accomplishment in itself. Remember, getting rejected doesn't reflect on your potential for success in college or thereafter—it often simply means the college's applicant pool was particularly competitive that year.

Now, focusing on your next steps:

1. Review and refine your application materials: Revisit your applications for Regular Decision (RD). Your essays could do with another round of revision and proofreading. Double-check all details to ensure there are no errors. Be sure your application accurately and articulately presents your strengths and interests.

2. Stay on top of Regular Decision deadlines: Note that Regular Decision deadlines typically range from January 1 to February 1, although some schools may have later deadlines. Make a checklist of your schools' deadlines to stay organized. Deadlines differ so do cross-check each school's specific date.

3. Consider additional colleges: If you're looking at broadening your college choices with later deadlines, plenty of schools accept applications into the spring. Schools such as University of Houston, University of Arizona, Michigan State University, and several others, have rolling admissions and accept applications until their incoming class is filled. Some public universities also have later deadlines.

4. Keep grades and extracurriculars strong: Continue to maintain solid academic performance and participate in your extracurricular activities right up until graduation. If you're waitlisted or a college comes down to comparing you with similar applicants, current performance could tip the scale in your favor.

5. Engage in meaningful conversations: Have a candid conversation with your high school counselor, ask for teachers' feedback, and share your thoughts with friends and family. This could provide you with new perspectives and useful insights.

Lastly, it's essential to remember that you have multiple paths to reach your goals, and sometimes, the path you end up on can be more rewarding than the one you initially visualized. Wherever you end up for college, make the most of your opportunities there—and remember, college is just one step on your longer journey. Good luck!