Calming The Nerves Beyond Numbers
Take action if you are ‘deferred’ or ‘waitlisted’
If you applied to college Early Action (EA) or Early Decision (ED), there’s a chance you could be deferred or waitlisted. But what do these admissions decisions mean?
When deferred from a university’s admissions round, students are placed in the general admissions pool. When waitlisted, a college has finished reviewing your application and moved you to the waitlist. Your admittance will depend on the availability of open seats closer to August and your placement on the waitlist. This understanding will help you figure out your next moves.
While there isn’t much you can do in response to being waitlisted, you can certainly take action in response to being deferred, such as:
Reassess where certain colleges rank in your list of schools
Prepare supplemental documents for your application, if necessary (i.e. additional essays)
Continue editing your application materials for Regular Decision applications
Unsure how to get started? Schedule a consultation with Ivy Link today!
Identify ‘transitory projects’
This means figuring out how you can expand any current club involvement or personal interests into your college experience. These projects are particularly helpful in adjusting to college life emotionally and mentally. The opportunities you take in college to discover new things and reconnect with old passions will shape your post-secondary education experience. You will keep your momentum going and build on leadership and organizational skills that will help you stand out at your new school. This is the start of your plan to make an impact at whatever institution you attend.
Focus on your academics and goals
Being accepted to a university is one thing; matriculating--officially enrolling and registering for courses--at said institution is usually conditional on continued academic achievement. A drop in academic performance is a red flag for colleges and could result in your acceptance being revoked. Remembering to nurture your overall goals for college and life will help keep you on track. Some ways you can achieve success in these areas include:
Communicating your “why” for attending college with supportive people
Confirming how the colleges you’re accepted to define good academic standing
Ensuring your behavior in and outside of school won’t negatively impact admissions offers
At this point, no one else’s college admissions decisions or plans matter. Just focus on yourself and the things you’re able to control as you finish high school.
Recognize those who’ve supported you
There’s no denying that the college application process is stressful. You probably received assistance throughout this journey. Here are some ways you can recognize those who’ve assisted you, reduce your stress, and remain proactive:
Send ‘thank-you’ notes to those who’ve written your letters of recommendation
Keep your support system updated on admissions decisions
Be there for friends who are going through the same or similar experience as you are
Create new relationships with those you’ve depended on throughout the application process
Your hard work hasn’t gone unseen. As you wait, take a moment to acknowledge how far you’ve come--and get excited for the next chapter in your life.
We assist students at every stage of the college application process. For more information, get in touch today!
