<p>It’s not easy to get rejected. My older son did the smart thing and applied EA to two colleges that are reaches for everyone and got deferred, but he also had applied to a safety that had an early notification system, so he knew he was going to college. He got two rejections from colleges those EA colleges before hearing from the rest. Honestly I think I was more upset than he was. In the end he chose a college we hadn’t visited yet, but turned out to be perfect. It hadn’t been at the top of the list, but in retrospect it probably should have been.</p>
<p>Younger son loved his safety, but also had an EA acceptance from a school he hadn’t visited yet, but was highly rated. He did a very good job of not having a first choice until he had visited (or revisited) all the colleges he got into. In fact he did such a good job of not preferring a particular college he waited till the very last day to make a decision!</p>
<p>Nothing will make it easier if you don’t get in where you had hoped to, but do realize most students end up happy where they land. Make the best of the opportunities at the institution that accepts you.</p>