Waiting for Early Decision? Actions You Can Take Right Now

 
 

Hey future college students! Waiting for your Early Decision results, which typically come out in mid-December, can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s hard not to imagine every possible outcome. But here’s the good news: this waiting period doesn’t have to feel like you’re stuck in limbo. Think of it as your chance to take control, stay proactive, and prepare for what’s next—no matter what happens.

Continue Working on Other Applications and Admissions Essays

We know how exhausting those Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) applications were—you’ve done an amazing job getting through them. But here’s the reality: even if your application was stellar, acceptance isn’t guaranteed. That’s why it’s so important to keep the momentum going and focus on your Regular Decision (RD) or Early Decision II (ED II) applications now, rather than later.

Let’s talk about Rachel, a senior who put off working on her RD applications while waiting for her ED results. She was confident about her ED school and thought, “I’ll deal with the RD essays if I really have to.” When her ED decision came back as a deferral in mid-December, panic set in. Rachel realized she had less than three weeks to complete seven applications, each with multiple supplemental essays. To make things worse, her school finals and end-of-term projects were also piling up.

What followed was a holiday season filled with stress and tears—not joy. Rachel’s family canceled their annual Christmas trip, and New Year’s became a blur of late nights and deadlines. Despite help from Ivy Link, Rachel found herself cramming. Her essays, though technically complete, lacked the thoughtfulness and personal connection that her ED essays had. She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and unable to present her best self to the other colleges.

In the end, Rachel’s rushed RD applications didn’t yield the results she’d hoped for. She later reflected, “If I had started earlier, I could have avoided so much stress and actually enjoyed the holidays.”

What You Can Learn from Rachel’s Story:

  • Start Early: Waiting until mid-December to begin RD or ED II applications leaves you with limited time. Use the next few weeks to brainstorm, refine, and polish your essays. You’ll thank yourself later.

  • Avoid Burnout: Balancing last-minute applications with schoolwork, finals, and extracurriculars can lead to burnout. By starting now, you can work at a steady, manageable pace.

  • Submit Stronger Applications: Most elite schools require multiple supplemental essays, and procrastinating will only make this process more stressful. Essays written under pressure often lack the nuance and authenticity that admissions officers look for. Starting early gives you time to refine your narrative and ensure your work reflects who you truly are.

Take Control Now

Dedicate a few hours each week to your RD applications and essays. Break them into manageable tasks, like outlining one essay per day or revising two drafts per week. This way, when mid-December arrives, you’ll be ahead of the game and ready to enjoy the holidays with your family.

Stay Focused on Academics

You’ve worked so hard to get here, so don’t let up now. Colleges will review your mid-year reports to confirm they made the right decision or to reassess if you’re deferred. This is your time to show that you’re consistent and growing. If there’s a subject that’s been tough for you, lean on your teachers or tutors, find online resources, and create a study plan. Every grade you maintain or improve proves your dedication and shows admissions officers that you’re ready for the next level.

Stay Engaged and Involved

Admissions officers want to see that you’re still fully committed to your extracurriculars. Whether you’re leading a club, finishing a research project, or working on a community initiative, keep going strong. Consistent engagement shows your passion and determination. These are qualities that stand out to admissions committees and could make all the difference.

ED II Deadlines

If your ED decision doesn’t go as planned, you can apply for Early Decision II. Here’s a list of schools offering ED II and their deadlines:

  • Emory University: January 1, 2025

  • New York University (NYU): January 1, 2025

  • Vanderbilt University: January 1, 2025

  • Tufts University: January 1, 2025

  • Boston University: January 4, 2025

  • University of Chicago: January 4, 2025

  • Washington University in St. Louis: January 3, 2025

  • Carnegie Mellon University: January 3, 2025

  • Wake Forest University: January 1, 2025

ED II is a big step. If you’re accepted, you’re committing—it’s binding. While the higher acceptance rates might feel like a safety net, this is also a decision that requires careful thought. So, take a moment to ask yourself: “Is this really where I see myself thriving?” or “Would it be better to keep my options open for now?” 

This isn’t an easy call, and you’re not alone in feeling the weight of it. One student we worked with was torn—they had their eye on an ED II school but weren’t sure if it truly aligned with their goals. Together, we mapped out their priorities, reviewed their long-term aspirations, and compared them to what the school offered. The result? They felt confident in their decision to move forward with ED II, and their application stood out because it reflected clarity and purpose. 

Another student came to us unsure about committing to ED II. After a detailed review of their college list, they realized Regular Decision opened the door to more opportunities that better aligned with their academic interests and career ambitions. Ivy Link guided them in refining their applications and essays to make a strong impression in the Regular Decision round.

No matter your situation, Ivy Link is here to guide you. We’ll help you assess whether ED II is the right move for you—factoring in your goals, the school’s fit, and the bigger picture of your college journey. And if you decide to apply ED II, we’ll work with you to craft an application that reflects your strongest self. 

Schedule a consultation today, and let’s make this decision together. For more insights, check out our blog: A Second Chance: Early Decision II.

EJ (Elden Joie) Gonzales