The college application process can be stressful, especially if you applied Early Decision (ED I) to your dream school and didn’t get the answer you were hoping for. If you’ve been denied or deferred, it’s natural to feel disappointed. But don’t panic as there are still plenty of options and next steps you can take to secure your spot at another great school.

Let’s break down what being denied or deferred means and what your options are going forward.

What Is Early Decision I?

Early Decision I (ED I) is an application option that allows students to apply early to a college and receive an admissions decision ahead of regular decision applicants (-a student typically receives a decision on or around Dec. 15th). It’s a binding agreement, which means if you’re accepted, you must enroll at your ED I school and withdraw all other college applications. The student, a parent, and the high school counselor all sign a document that they understand the terms, and it’s important that a student only choose ED I if they have a clear first-choice school and are willing to commit to attending if accepted.

What Does It Mean to Be Denied or Deferred?

If you’re denied during ED I, it means the school has decided not to offer you admission. Unfortunately, this decision is final—you won’t be considered again during the regular admissions cycle.

Being deferred, on the other hand, means your application has been moved to the regular decision (RD) pool. You’re not rejected, but the admissions committee wants more time to review your application alongside RD applicants. Deferred students will receive a final decision later in the spring.

What Are My Options If I’m Denied or Deferred?

Receiving disappointing news can be tough, but there are still actions you can take to improve your chances of getting into a great school.

Wait for the Results of Your Other Applications

• If you’ve applied Early Action (EA) or Regular Decision (RD) to other colleges, take a deep breath and wait for those decisions to come in. Keep in mind that you may still get good news from these schools, so stay hopeful and focus on finishing your senior year strong.

Add More Regular Decision Applications

• An additional option is to consider adding a few more RD schools to your college list that are less selective than other schools you’ve applied to before. Doing this means that you’re taking into account the denial or deferral from the ED I, and adjusting the selectivity of the other schools to reflect this. This will increase your chances of receiving acceptances. Just make sure that these schools are a good fit for you academically and personally.

Consider Applying to an ED II School

• Many schools offer a second round of Early Decision (ED II) with a January deadline. If you were denied in ED I, but are still interested in the benefits of a binding decision (such as improved admission odds), this can be a great option. However, keep in mind that you should only apply ED II if it’s truly your new top choice.

Reflect on the ED I Deny or Deferral, and the Big Mistake Students Sometimes Make with ED Applications

• As we mentioned above, being denied or deferred can be upsetting, but it can also serve as a useful benchmark for understanding your chances at highly selective schools. If your ED I school was a reach, it would be foolish to aim for an even more selective school for ED II. Instead, focus on schools that align better with your academic profile and interests. The goal is to create a balanced list with a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.

Do Your Research

When dealing with parents and students over the years, a common misconception about ED applications is that because schools typically accept a higher percentage of students from the ED I and II rounds, that this means practically any student has a higher chance of being admitted, and this is false. Despite the higher percentage of students accepted from the ED rounds, a student still needs to be a strong academic match for the school, and while reaching a bit is fine, reaching too high to a school that is clearly not a fit for a students profile is foolish.