Emory Early Decision Rejection - Options Now?

So I was super stoked about Emory, but I just got rejected in the early decision round. What are my options now? Should I try other schools or is there still something I can do about Emory?

It's tough to hear about an early decision rejection, but remember that it's not the end. You can't appeal on an early decision rejection, though. Emory has made its decision for now, so your best path forward would be to focus on other colleges.

You should definitely turn your attention to other schools you're interested in and ensure that your applications for those are as strong as they can be. It might feel disappointing, but remember that there are plenty of prestigious colleges out there and you're bound to find another one that is a great fit for you.

I would recommend looking at schools that have similar programs to what you were interested in at Emory. Also, look for schools that have similar campus culture, extracurriculars, or geographic location depending on what aspects about Emory attracted you.

In terms of what you could do about your application, perhaps you could seek feedback from a teacher, a guidance counselor or a mentor on how to strengthen it. Make sure your essays are particularly compelling and truly capture who you are beyond what's just in your transcripts and resumes.

Don't forget that Regular Decision deadlines for most schools are in January, so focus on preparing your apps for those schools. It's also completely acceptable and encouraged to apply to a mix of safety, match, and reach colleges to give you a range of options.

Overall, take this as an opportunity to explore other potential colleges and consider what other places might be a good fit for you academically, socially, and personally. Remember, wherever you end up, it's what you make of the experience that matters most!