You Applied Early Decision and You’re ‘Out’. What Should You Do?

Early Decision applicants have been advised to whether they are “in,” “out,” or “deferred” at many schools. I have  already discussed the steps that families may take if they are deferred through Early Decision. I will now cover steps for students denied.

Here are three tips to help:

• Ask yourself: what did you like about the Early Decision school? Write down every reason that you chose this school as your first choice.  If it was academics, look for similar programs, especially if they are in similar locations. If it was the location, look for schools in similar locations.
• Consider other schools that might have already sent an acceptance under Early Action or Rolling Admissions.  Schools that have already sent an early acceptance might become more appealing  Admissions under Early Action or Rolling Admissions are non-binding. You can take your time until May 1st to decide if one of these schools is for you.
• Research financial best bets, if you want to apply to more schools, and if you are concerned about costs. A financial best bet might be a school with a much lower sticker price. It could be one where you will not need a scholarship to help cover costs. It might also be a school where you have an excellent chance of receiving and keeping your merit aid.  Pay attention to deadlines and the rules that you must follow in order to be considered for merit aid.  Some schools, ask you only to apply for admission and submit a FAFSA. Others have a separate application for merit aid.

Whatever course(s) of action you take, the most important objective is to find a small number of schools that might be a best fit. Even a “safe” school should be a place where s/he is likely to be happy.

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