ED/EA decisions released

Overview

ED/EA decisions are released mid-December. This is one of the most emotionally charged weeks of senior year. Prepare emotionally for any outcome.

Decision Timing

Mid-December (Approximate)

• Most decisions 12/12-12/18
• Some schools earlier or later
• Check each school's announced date
• Email and portal notifications

Specific Calendar

Ivies

• Mid-December (specific dates vary year-to-year)
• Usually week of December 14

MIT

• Mid-December
• Around December 15

Stanford REA

• Mid-December
• Around December 14

Caltech EA

• Mid-December
• Around December 12

UChicago EA

• Late November - mid-December

Rice ED

• Mid-December
• Around December 15

How Decisions Release

Applicant Portal

• Login required
• Specific link provided
• Real-time update
• Primary release method

Email

• Notification of decision
• Link to portal
• Sometimes immediate
• Backup notification

Text Messages

• Some schools
• Phone number required
• Real-time alerts

Letter (Rare)

• Formal letter mailed
• Often follow-up
• Traditional touch

Preparing for Decision Day

Mental Preparation

Expectations

• Realistic about chances
• Multiple outcomes possible
• Worth isn't determined
• Your path continues

Alone vs. With Others

• Personal preference
• Alone: focus, self-control
• With family: support, shared experience
• With friends: mixed experience

Timing

• Clear schedule
• No distractions
• Quiet space
• Time for processing

Physical Setup

• Laptop charged
• Internet reliable
• Portal bookmarked
• Login credentials ready

Emotional Preparation

• Plan for various outcomes
• Support system identified
• Mental health resources
• Self-care plan

Decision Types

Admitted

ED Binding

• Must enroll
• Withdraw other applications
• Financial aid finalization
• Commitment immediate

EA Non-Binding

• Option to attend
• Continue other applications
• Compare in spring
• More time for decision

REA Restrictive

• Cannot apply ED elsewhere
• Can apply RD elsewhere
• Retain some flexibility
• Strategic consideration

Deferred

From ED

• Moved to regular round
• No longer binding
• Can apply elsewhere
• Chance still alive

From EA

• Moved to regular round
• Same process as RD
• Still possible
• Continue other work

Denied

Final Answer

• Not admitted this round
• Cannot reapply this year
• Free to apply elsewhere
• Move forward

Waitlisted

Rare for Early

• Some schools offer
• Continue RD applications
• LOCI later
• Not likely for ED/EA

Processing Admission

Immediate Response

ED Acceptance

• Withdraw other applications
• Submit enrollment deposit
• Celebrate appropriately
• Notify family

EA Acceptance

• Wait to compare
• Continue other applications
• Financial aid review
• Decision in spring

Both Feel Like

• Excitement
• Relief
• Accomplishment
• Gratitude
• Pride

Communication

Family

• Share with parents
• Siblings
• Grandparents
• Close relatives

Friends

• Close friends
• Not social media blast
• Personal choice
• Respect others' situations

School

• Counselor update
• Teachers update
• Maintain good relationships

Celebrating

Healthy Ways

• Family dinner
• Personal indulgence
• Journal reflection
• Thank supporters

Avoid

• Excessive bragging
• Social media overshare
• Minimize others
• Perfection performance

Processing Deferral

Understanding Deferral

What It Means

• Application moved to regular round
• School wants more information
• Still in running
• Reviewed with all applicants

Not a No

• Still possible admission
• Chance remains
• Application reviewed again
• Final decision in spring

Actions to Take

Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)

• Optional but recommended
• Within 1-2 weeks
• Specific and meaningful
• Strong endorsement

Update Application

• Recent achievements
• Grade improvements
• New projects
• Specific details

Continue Other Applications

• RD continues
• Multiple schools
• Maintain options
• Strategic effort

Mental Approach

Not Rejection

• Different from denied
• Still valuable
• Character tested
• Resilience built

Don't Obsess

• Continue life
• Focus elsewhere
• Trust process
• Final decision ahead

Processing Denial

Immediate Response

Acknowledge Disappointment

• Normal reaction
• Valid feelings
• Allow yourself to feel
• Don't suppress

Perspective

• One of many schools
• Not your identity
• Other options exist
• Life continues

Support

• Talk to family
• Trusted friends
• Counselor
• Processing together

What This Means

Application Not Right Fit

• For this school this year
• Not personal
• Many factors
• Try elsewhere

Not a Reflection

• Of your worth
• Of your future
• Of your potential
• Of your character

Options Remain

• Other schools
• Community college
• Gap year
• Multiple paths

Actions to Take

Continue RD Applications

• Other schools
• Strong profile
• Best effort
• Quality applications

Learn from Experience

• Application review
• Essays improvement
• Interview skills
• Timeline management

Emotional Processing

• Cry if needed
• Talk it out
• Journal thoughts
• Move forward when ready

Advice from Counselors

Healthy Grief

• 1-2 days of grief
• Then move forward
• Don't dwell
• Redirect energy

Perspective

• Many successful people
• Didn't get into dream schools
• Careers thrive regardless
• Life continues

Future Success

• College is one step
• Effort in college matters
• Career is long
• Life is longer

Mental Health

Difficult Day

Normal Emotions

• Anxiety
• Excitement
• Disappointment
• Relief
• Joy

Support Systems

• Family
• Friends
• Counselor
• Therapist

Self-Care

• Exercise
• Good nutrition
• Adequate sleep
• Relaxation

If Struggling

Signs of Depression

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest
• Sleep changes
• Weight changes
• Hopelessness

Actions

• Tell trusted adult
• Professional help
• Medication if prescribed
• Community support

Long-Term Wellness

Resilience Building

• Challenges develop character
• Setbacks teach
• Growth through difficulty
• Stronger for experience

Identity Formation

• Not defined by school
• Complex personal identity
• Values clarity
• Self-understanding

For Parents

Your Role

Support

• Present without pressure
• Listen actively
• Validate feelings
• Provide perspective

Communication

• Open dialogue
• Respect privacy
• Follow student lead
• Trust their feelings

Pride and Perspective

• Acknowledge effort
• Celebrate regardless of outcome
• Long-term view
• Unconditional love

Mistakes to Avoid

Over-Investment

• Your dream not theirs
• Their life not yours
• Respect autonomy

Comparison

• Not with siblings
• Not with friends' kids
• Not with classmates
• Focus on individual

Pushing Narrative

• Accept their outcome
• Their path
• Your pride intact
• Their growth

Decision Week Strategy

Daily Routine

Morning

• Check email regularly
• Stable mental state
• Preparation done

Day

• Normal activities
• Distractions
• Work
• Social time

Evening

• Check portal if time
• Family dinner
• Relaxation
• Sleep

For Whoever Opens

Together with Family

• Shared experience
• Immediate support
• Reactions shared

Alone

• Personal processing
• Initial reaction private
• Share when ready

Photo Moment

• Memory of day
• Regardless of outcome
• Capture moment
• Different significance later

After Decision Week

Life Continues

• Senior year goes on
• Holidays approaching
• Family time
• Joy possible

Strategy Adjustment

ED Admit

• Withdraw others
• Confirmed path
• Commitment

ED Defer/Deny

• RD applications
• Maintain effort
• Multiple options

EA Admit

• Compare options
• Financial aid
• Continue applications

EA Defer

• RD continues
• Additional updates
• Patience

EA Deny

• Fine
• Other options
• Continue

Holiday Break

Rest

• Recovery time
• Family presence
• Self-care

Continued Work

• RD applications
• Essays
• Preparation for January

Reflection

• What went well
• What to improve
• Gratitude
• Planning

Long-Term Perspective

This Is One Day

Bigger Picture

• College is 4 years
• Career is decades
• Life is longer
• Growth continuous

Many Factors Determine

• Your happiness
• Your success
• Your meaning
• Your contribution

Your Character

• Built through all
• Strengths develop
• Values solidify
• Identity forms

Your Story

• Unique journey
• Your path
• Your definition of success
• Your legacy

Final Thoughts

Trust Yourself

• You've done the work
• Your effort matters
• Your growth is real
• Your future is open

Embrace Uncertainty

• Life is uncertain
• Open to possibilities
• Multiple paths
• Growth through change

Celebrate Effort

• Applications complete
• Growth shown
• Learning occurred
• Ready for future