Allowed to wallow, but just for a moment, please do not say “it’ll be okay”-- because in the moment it does NOT feel like that.

While I genuinely believe that it’s not a rejection, but a redirection– and that students genuinely do end up where they belong, that’s about the last thing that a disappointed student or parent wants to hear, understandably so. 

Can you reapply? NO

Can you petition for reconsideration? MAYBE, but only with reason– schools RARELY overturn decisions without new info (medical, learning challenges, extenuating circumstances)-- oftentime, even new grades won’t be considered– but it’s worth a call, but don’t count on it. 

Wallow– and then dust yourself off. This is why dream schools can be nightmare-ish.

Where you go isn’t who you are– and there’s always the opportunity to transfer, apply for grad school, etc if you’re still hoping for that ONE schools

A deferral isn’t a no– it can be a NOT YET. It can also be a way for schools to ‘kick the can’ down the road or a “soft no”. 

Look at their stats– did they defer 10% or 100% of the non-accepted students? 

How is a deferral different from a waitlist? 

First, see what the school wants from you– typically:

Update on grades

Possibly an update on scores, if you have new ones to share

And if schools allow you to update them on your activities, DO SO. 

Headspace MATTERS. Can’t be angry/disappointed. Think of this as another shot at it– and if you haven’t ‘improved yourself’, DO SO NOW– take a course, volunteer more.

But you ABSOLUTELY want to ensure that you have some backup plans ready to go in case that this doesn’t happen.

Senior grades might barely matter or they might be a very important part of your application– like most things in admissions, it’s very much an “it depends”. Students should be aware that all acceptances are conditional– and having a change to one’s grades might have an impact on admissions, merit awards, and more. 

It’s a Maybe.

If applying EA/ED/rolling and accepted before January, it’s possible that just remaining academically eligible is enough/not falling off of a cliff

If applying RD or after January or are DEFERRED, then first trimester or semester grades likely will matter- A LOT. 

You CAN lose your admission AND your scholarships. You’re not done until you’re done– all acceptances are conditional. 

Changes in schedule might also impact acceptance and/or merit.