@atxmomof4 I’m sorry about your son. @Mwfan1921 has shared valuable advice. I would recommend that you post in this thread for those who have been denied or deferred ED/EA Were You EA/ED Denied or Deferred? Get All Your Admissions Questions: ASK ANYTHING! - #3 by honesttalks Questions are being answered by experienced college admissions coaches from @IvyScholars
Also, unlike Ivy League schools, many small liberal arts colleges do not require additional essays or have minimal supplements that shouldn’t be too time-intensive. Added plus for your son: almost all small colleges have far fewer male applicants, so the acceptance rates are higher for male applicants, e.g., Vassar’s recent male acceptance rate has been around 30% vs. 20% or lower for female applicants.