<p>A friend of my daughter was the first to hear in their little group, and it was bad news. Feeling bad, brainstorming other options, and (slightly guiltily) still madly hoping for the best for the remaining ED ones. Such a tangle of emotions for all these kids, all with different schools to focus on, trying to support each other and stay out of the minefield of cOmparison that is sometimes unexpectedly tricky, even for such good friends. </p>
<p>And I’ve been told that she wants to be alone when she finds out, and if the news is bad, she’s going to want to keep it to herself.</p>
<p>DD got deferred at three EA/ED schools in a row last year, which was pretty darn disappointing. It spurred us on though - we decided that perhaps she had “shot too high” for this particular admissions cycle, and consulted with the College Karma coach assocaited with this site. For $200ish the College Karma gal took a lot at her materials, wish list, wants and needs, and made a list of 5 or 6 schools that were slightly easier to get into. She also assured her that her other EA school would accept her (which they did with a big scholarship) so she wouldn’t be left without options. </p>
<p>DD ended up calling all three schools where she was deferred and talking to the admissions departments, not to whine, but to say “I am still very interested in your school, and wondered if there is any additional information about myself that would increase my acceptance choices.” Based on those conversations, we crossed two schools that were less preferable and longer shots off her list, sent an additional update with a dramatic change in SAT scores, and an additional recommendation from her core EC. She also applied to one of the schools that College Karma suggested with a rolling admissions policy and got in, leaving her two good choices. When the second round came in, she got into her ED school, and left the whole drama behind. It was a tough decision, as the others gave her more aid, but on balance it was the right decision for her and she is extremely happy.</p>
<p>Congrats Oldfort! We’ve been on both sides of this time of year. My oldest (by far the stronger student) got deferred EA, while youngest got an unexpected acceptance at a reach. The latter is definitely more fun, but in the end my oldest ended up at the right place for him.</p>
<p>Congratulations, Oldfort. One of D’s friends also got a “yes” from Cornell during physics today. I guess the teacher was pretty understandng that everyone was distracted. We are waiting on Stanford and hoping for tomorrow afternoon. D seems relaxed as of now and is watching ‘Wipeout’ for a little relax time. Fingers are crossed for good mood this time tomorrow. :-)</p>
<p>My first son was rejected from his ED school, got in 7 other places, including several very comparable schools, in the regular round. He had 4 great years at the school he attended. </p>
<p>My second son was deferred from his ED school. As a result our family changed our holiday plans so he would be able to get applications done. We were to have been in the lagoon area at Phuket on December 25-30 but postponed until January 1. We never made it on the 1st because of the Tsunami which hit on the 26th. It made for some interesting last minute essays… </p>
<p>That son was accepted to the ED school, decided to attend it and had 4 great years.</p>
<p>One of my close friends got rejected by Columbia today. Her sister went there, so she had high expectations, but that was at least 8 years ago. </p>
<p>She was upset, but said “Whatever is meant to happen will happen.”, and I think that’s really how you have to approach these things. It’s a huge decision/event, but not one you can really control.</p>
<p>congrats Oldfort.
My d has applied all EA. very anxiety producing but I dont think the first one will come in until Dec 20th. for her major it is advised to apply early and often. is it too much to hope for that her first one be a yes? since we went through lots of drama with D1 LOL. I have been very philosophical until the last couple of days…
Jealous of Vandy apps. D2 loved Vandy but when she decided on her major, Vandy doesnt offer it. We even visited and loved Nashville. Good luck everyone.
D2 also said her school did not fare too well with Dartmouth today</p>
<p>downtoearth - we have been on both sides. We can be very philosophical, but when it comes to our kids, it’s personal. Keeping fingers crossed for your D.</p>
<p>D was denied at Stanford. It’s hard in that in order to write strong essays one must really picture themselves at the school and “fall in love” with it. Now it’s time to re-fall in love with her other favorite school to finish that app. It is a very likely admit (almost certain) but she will need to be high enough in the pile to get the right mix of aid.
She is sleeping soundly and I am having a bout of insomnia - needing to process after all the energy put into the first round. As others have said differently here - it’s like taking a shot down field on first down, if the pass isn’t caught you have to go back to your ground game and stay on schedule with the down and distance. She took her shot, and will now need to get back to the game plan and work it. It is deflating, though. It’s tough to not see that first pay off for her hard work and achievement in school.</p>
<p>saintfan - I’m so sorry about the disappointment for your dd. I understand the insomnia. I’m trying to be philosophical about all of this, but it sure is beyond stressful. I know the platitudes don’t help, that there are many places she will thrive. We want our kids to be rewarded for how great they are even if you know it’s a crapshoot for some of these schools.</p>
<p>I hope she is sleeping well and will wake up ready to move on to the next adventure.</p>
<p>It’s too early to see it yet, but it will work out for her.</p>