Decoding Early Decision and Early Action Results: Your Next Steps
You’ve been anxiously refreshing your email, heart pounding every time a new notification pops up. Then it happens—your Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) results arrive. You might feel excitement, relief, disappointment, or confusion—or maybe all of the above. These emotions are normal, and you’re not alone. Whatever the outcome, you have options, and this guide is here to help you navigate the next steps strategically.
If You’re Accepted: Celebrate and Confirm
An acceptance is a huge accomplishment—congratulations! Take a moment to enjoy this milestone, but remember, there are still important steps to take:
Early Decision: Acceptance under ED is binding, which means you must withdraw all other applications. Confirm your intent to enroll with the admissions office, and start planning the logistics, such as housing, financial arrangements, and connecting with future classmates.
Early Action: While non-binding, an EA acceptance is an encouraging step forward. For students accepted under EA, like Marcus, this is a time to explore. Marcus attended a few virtual admitted student events to get a better feel for the campus vibe. He kept working on Regular Decision applications for backup options but found comfort knowing one great school was already on the table.
If You’re Deferred: Stay Engaged
A deferral might sting, but it’s not the end—it’s an opportunity to strengthen your application and prove you’re a great fit. Here’s how to approach it:
Understand the Deferral Letter: Admissions offices often hint at what they’re looking for in deferred applicants. Jessica, an Ivy Link student, noticed her deferral letter mentioned academic rigor. She took this as a cue to keep excelling in her AP courses, which ultimately helped her acceptance in the RD round.
Submit an Update Letter: Think of this as your chance to reintroduce yourself. For instance, one student worked with Ivy Link to craft a thoughtful letter after being deferred. They emphasized their leadership in a new club initiative and how it aligned with the college’s mission, which caught the admissions committee’s attention. For advice on crafting a persuasive update letter, check out Ivy Link’s Crafting a Compelling Statement of Persuasion.
Maintain Academic Excellence: Colleges want to see you’re still serious about learning. If math has been a challenge, consider extra tutoring sessions or study groups. Admissions committees especially from the elite colleges often weigh mid-year reports heavily when making final decisions.
Demonstrate Continued Interest: If allowed, schedule a campus visit, attend virtual events, or connect with your admissions representative to reaffirm your commitment to the school.
Find out Reason(s) for your Deferral: Receiving a deferral can be disappointing, but it's important to recognize it as an opportunity to strengthen your application for the Regular Decision and/or Early Decision II rounds. The first step is understanding what might have led to the deferral decision. Start by asking yourself key questions: Were your grades strong enough? Did your essays effectively showcase your story? Could your extracurriculars have demonstrated more depth or leadership? These are important factors to consider. We recommend conducting a "post-mortem" analysis - a thoughtful review of your application can help pinpoint areas for improvement, whether it’s grades, essays, or extracurricular activities. If you’re unsure how to do this, Ivy Link’s experts can guide you through this process. For more insights and actionable advice on how to process a deferral, check out our blog post You’ve Been Deferred… Now What??.
If You’re Denied: Pivot with Purpose
Receiving a denial can be disheartening, especially when you’ve worked so hard to get this far. But it’s not the end of the road. Instead, it’s a moment to reassess and create a concrete plan to improve your odds in the next round. Here’s how to move forward:
Review your college list: Sometimes, it’s about balance. Sarah had been aiming exclusively for Ivy League schools but realized her list didn’t include mid-risk or low-risk options. After recalibrating with Ivy Link’s help, she secured admission to an excellent school that aligned with her career goals. A well-rounded list ensures that you’re aiming high while keeping solid backup plans.
Conduct a post -mortem on your application: Look critically at what didn’t work with your ED/EA application. Are there areas where your story wasn’t clear or compelling? One student found their extracurricular list lacked depth, so they used this insight to highlight leadership roles in their RD applications. Look closely at your essays, recommendation letters, and overall application narrative to pinpoint any weaknesses that could be strengthened for RD or ED II submissions.
Refine your application strategy: Use this opportunity to refine your essays and highlight any recent accomplishments or growth. Ensure every part of your application - from your activities list to your personal statement - reflects your best self and aligns with the values of the schools you’re targeting. If you’re looking for personalized support to complete your applications efficiently, Ivy Link’s Fast-Track Package provides focused guidance to help you refine and finalize your application materials within a short timeframe.
If you’ve been accepted, congratulations! If you’ve been deferred or denied, don’t lose hope. Take a deep breath and know that this is not the end of your journey. Ivy Link understands that the admissions process is full of twists and turns. We can help you reevaluate your college list, conduct a thorough application review, and craft a winning application strategy to get you into your desired school. Let us help you chart the path forward with confidence and clarity. Contact us today!
