Next steps: Denied Early Admission

What can students do if they are denied admission under early decision, early action, or restrictive early action? If you are denied under ED, EA, or REA, this decision is final and you will not be reconsidered. You cannot reapply for consideration under a regular decision plan. A denial under an early plan may seem harsh, coming at this time of year, right around the holidays. But accept it as valuable guidance. The school is sending you a strong signal early on that you’re not in the running and will be best served by placing your attention elsewhere— on your applications to the other wonderful schools on your list. So, first and foremost, proceed with completing your applications to the other schools on your list. Move on and let yourself get excited about these other schools! Remember, too, as we cautioned yesterday, to be in close touch with your teachers and counselors who are writing your recommendations before the winter break.  Be sure all your recommenders are prepared to send out more letters to the remaining schools on your list before school lets out for the holidays. A further note: We are sometimes asked whether a student who has been denied ED and has another school high on their list that offers two rounds of ED may apply for that second round. It’s fine to do this -- and would also be fine to do this if denied under an EA or REA plan -- provided you meet all the other conditions we’ve outlined that show early decision is right for you -- including an agreement in your family that you will not need to compare financial aid awards and a certainty that this is the school where you would unquestionably enroll if admitted. If— once you take away the ED I school from your list—you are certain of this next top choice and that school offers ED II, by all means apply. If you were deferred from your ED I school and then apply to a second school ED II, you will need to attend if you are admitted to the second school, and must then withdraw all other applications, including your application to the ED school you applied to in the first round. Tomorrow: More advice if you've applied early!