Navigating the Early Decision Application: A Post-Submission Guide

So, you’ve hit “submit” on your Early Decision (ED) application. Congratulations! You’ve just taken a significant leap in your college application journey. But what happens next? The waiting game can be nerve-wracking, and it’s crucial to use this time wisely. The most important thing to do after submitting your Early Decision application is to continue focusing on your academics and prepare your other applications. Even though you are hoping for acceptance from your ED school, it’s essential to keep your options open in case things don’t go as planned.

What to Do After Hitting “Submit” on Your Early Decision Application

First, breathe. Exhale all that pre-submission stress. Now, let’s get practical. Here’s your post-ED application checklist:

1. Acknowledge the Commitment: Remember, you’ve signed a binding agreement. If accepted, you must attend that college and withdraw all other applications. Re-familiarize yourself with the ED policy to ensure you understand the implications.
2. Maintain Academic Excellence: Don’t fall victim to senioritis! Colleges review your mid-year grades. A significant drop can jeopardize your acceptance, even after an ED offer. Keep pushing yourself academically.
3. Complete Regular Decision (RD) Applications: This is critical. Do not assume acceptance. Even with ED, acceptance isn’t guaranteed. Prepare applications for a range of schools that interest you. You may not need them, but you’ll be immensely relieved to have them ready if necessary. Focus on crafting strong essays and gathering recommendation letters. Don’t procrastinate.
4. Monitor Your Email and Application Portal: Colleges communicate primarily through these channels. Check them daily for updates, requests for additional information, or interview invitations. Respond promptly and professionally to any communication.
5. Prepare for a Potential Interview: Some colleges offer interviews as part of their admissions process. If invited, research the college and practice answering common interview questions. Dress professionally, be punctual, and ask thoughtful questions.
6. Refine Your Financial Aid Plan: ED often doesn’t provide a better financial aid package. Use net price calculators on the colleges’ websites to estimate your family’s contribution. If admitted, carefully review the financial aid offer. If it’s insufficient, contact the financial aid office to discuss your options. Be prepared to negotiate.
7. Stay Active in Extracurriculars: Continue your involvement in extracurricular activities. Colleges value commitment and leadership. Don’t let your activities lapse just because you’ve applied to college.
8. Avoid Obsessing Over Decision Dates: The waiting period can be agonizing. Try to stay busy with school, extracurriculars, and social activities. Resist the urge to constantly check online forums or compare your application to others.
9. Prepare for All Possible Outcomes: There are three potential outcomes: acceptance, deferral, or rejection. Mentally prepare yourself for each scenario. If deferred, strategize your next steps (more on that later). If rejected, learn from the experience and focus on your RD applications.
10. Inform Your Counselor: Keep your guidance counselor informed about your application status and any updates you receive from the college. They can provide valuable support and guidance throughout the process.
11. Relax (A Little): You’ve done all you can for now. Take some time to relax and enjoy your senior year. Spend time with friends and family, pursue your hobbies, and take care of your mental health.
12. Celebrate Your Accomplishments: Applying to college is a significant accomplishment. Be proud of yourself for all the hard work you’ve put in. Celebrate your achievements with your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about navigating the post-Early Decision application process, addressing common concerns and providing practical advice:

1. Can I Apply to Other Early Action Schools After Applying Early Decision?

Yes, if the other schools have non-restrictive Early Action (EA) policies. Non-restrictive EA allows you to apply to multiple schools early without any obligation to attend if accepted. However, you cannot apply to other schools with Restrictive Early Action (REA) or Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) policies, as these policies are designed to prevent you from applying ED or EA elsewhere. Review each school’s early application policy carefully before applying.

2. What Happens if I Get Deferred?

A deferral means the college wants to re-evaluate your application during the Regular Decision round. It’s not a rejection. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your application. Here’s what to do:

• Write a Letter of Continued Interest: Express your continued enthusiasm for the college and reiterate why you believe you’re a good fit. Highlight any new accomplishments or activities since submitting your application.
• Ask Your Counselor for Support: Your counselor can advocate for you by contacting the admissions office.
• Update Your Application: Submit any new transcripts, test scores, or awards that strengthen your profile.
• Maintain Strong Grades: As always, continue performing well in your classes.

3. What If My Financial Aid Package is Insufficient After ED Acceptance?

This is a legitimate concern. While ED is binding, colleges often allow students to withdraw if the financial aid package doesn’t meet their demonstrated need. Here’s how to proceed:

• Contact the Financial Aid Office: Explain your situation and ask if they can increase the aid offer. Be prepared to provide documentation to support your claim.
• Explore Outside Scholarships: Look for external scholarship opportunities to supplement your financial aid package.
• Consider Negotiating: Some colleges are willing to negotiate financial aid packages, especially if you have competing offers from other schools.
• Withdraw Your Acceptance (as a Last Resort): If you’ve exhausted all other options and the financial burden is too great, you can request to withdraw your acceptance. Be prepared to explain your situation to the admissions office. This is usually granted in cases of severe financial hardship.

4. Can I Still Apply for Scholarships After Applying Early Decision?

Absolutely! In fact, you should be applying for scholarships. Scholarships are essential for making college more affordable, regardless of whether you’re accepted ED, EA, or RD. Start researching and applying for scholarships as early as possible.

5. Should I Visit the College Again After Applying ED?

Visiting the college after applying ED can demonstrate your continued interest, but it’s not always necessary. If you have the opportunity to visit, focus on attending events specifically for admitted students or connecting with current students in your intended major. However, if you’ve already visited and feel confident in your decision, another visit may not be essential.

6. How Will Applying Early Decision Affect My Chances of Getting Merit-Based Scholarships?

ED can sometimes impact merit-based scholarship opportunities. Some colleges reserve a portion of their merit-based aid for RD applicants. However, this varies by institution. Research the college’s scholarship policies to understand how applying ED might affect your eligibility for merit-based aid.

7. What Happens If I Get Rejected?

Rejection is never easy, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a reflection of your worth. It simply means that the college wasn’t the right fit for you at this time. Here’s how to move forward:

• Allow Yourself to Grieve: It’s okay to feel disappointed. Acknowledge your emotions and allow yourself time to process them.
• Seek Support: Talk to your family, friends, or counselor about your feelings.
• Refocus on Your RD Applications: Put your energy into completing your Regular Decision applications and making them as strong as possible.
• Learn From the Experience: Analyze your ED application and identify any areas for improvement. Use this knowledge to strengthen your RD applications.

8. How Much Contact Should I Have with the Admissions Office After Submitting My ED Application?

Avoid excessive contact with the admissions office. It can come across as annoying or desperate. Only contact them if you have a legitimate question or need to provide additional information. A brief email expressing your continued interest after a deferral is acceptable, but avoid repeatedly contacting them to check on your application status.

9. Should I Send Additional Letters of Recommendation After Applying ED?

Generally, no. Unless the college specifically requests additional letters of recommendation, stick with the recommendations you initially submitted. Sending unsolicited letters can clutter your application and may not be helpful. However, if a recommender has new and significant information to share that could strengthen your application (especially after a deferral), you can consider sending a brief update through your counselor.

10. What If I Change My Mind and No Longer Want to Attend the ED School (Before Hearing Back)?

This is a tricky situation. Because the ED agreement is binding, breaking it can have consequences. If you have a significant change in circumstances (e.g., a major financial hardship or a severe illness), contact the admissions office immediately to explain your situation. Be prepared to provide documentation to support your claim. The college will review your request and decide whether to release you from the ED agreement. There’s no guarantee they will grant your request.

11. Can Applying ED Hurt My Chances at Other Colleges If I’m Rejected?

No. Being rejected from an ED school does not negatively impact your chances at other colleges. Admissions committees at different schools make independent decisions. However, the experience of applying ED can help you refine your RD applications and present yourself more effectively.

12. What If the Decision Deadline Passes and I Haven’t Heard Back?

Contact the admissions office to inquire about your application status. There may be a technical issue or missing document that is delaying the decision. Be polite and professional in your inquiry.