Early college applications are in. Discover five steps seniors should take before December decisions, from Regular Decision essays to application updates.
Your senior has submitted their early college applications. Here's how to make the most of November while waiting for admissions decisions.
Your senior has pressed submit on their early college applications. Now comes the waiting—and the temptation to put college applications aside until decisions arrive in December.
But November is an important time to prepare for what's next. Whether your student applied Early Decision, Early Action, or Restrictive Early Action, a few steps now can help avoid a last-minute rush.
Submitting an application doesn't necessarily mean every required document has arrived.
Most colleges provide an applicant portal where students can track transcripts, recommendations, and test scores when required. Some colleges, such as Northwestern University, also notify students by email if required materials are missing.
Encourage your senior to check each portal. Documents submitted by counselors and teachers may take several days to appear, so don't assume an item is missing immediately after submission.
If something remains outstanding beyond the college's stated processing period, follow up with the appropriate person or admissions office.
After months of applications, it's understandable that seniors want a break. But waiting until December to resume work can create unnecessary pressure.
Consider the timeline at two highly selective universities:
For students who receive a deferral or denial, that leaves just a few weeks to finish applications—during finals and the holiday season.
November is the time to complete supplemental essays, confirm remaining deadlines, and revisit the college list. Does it include a balanced range of schools your student would be excited to attend?
Even completing one or two essays each week can make a difference. If an early acceptance changes your student's plans, those essays may not be needed. But if the decision is disappointing, the work will already be underway.
It's easy for students to feel their academic record is complete once applications are submitted. But colleges continue to evaluate senior-year performance.
Stanford University, for example, requires midyear transcripts from Regular Decision applicants, students deferred during Restrictive Early Action, and students admitted early.
Students should continue prioritizing coursework, preparing for exams, and seeking support when needed. Ask your school counselor when midyear reports will be submitted.
That doesn't mean sacrificing every free moment. For instance, Thanksgiving break is an opportunity to rest before the final stretch of the semester.
Should your student contact admissions offices after submitting applications? It depends on the college and whether there's something meaningful to share.
A significant new award, leadership position, or academic accomplishment may warrant an update. But colleges have different policies about accepting additional materials.
Stanford, for example, allows certain application updates but does not add supplementary materials such as research papers or writing samples.
Before sending anything, review the college's instructions. Reaching out simply to demonstrate continued interest isn't always necessary or helpful.
If your student is deferred, follow the college's specific guidance about updates or letters of continued interest.
Early decisions can bring excitement, disappointment, or uncertainty. Discussing the possible outcomes beforehand can help families respond thoughtfully.
If your student is admitted: An Early Decision acceptance generally comes with a binding commitment to enroll, subject to the agreement's terms. Early Action acceptances are typically nonbinding, allowing students to consider their options.
If your student is deferred: Their application will be reconsidered during the Regular Decision round. Yale University, for example, reviews deferred applicants alongside Regular Decision applicants and releases final decisions in late March. Continue working on other applications and follow the college's instructions.
If your student is denied: It's disappointing, especially when a college has been a longtime favorite. But one decision doesn't define a student's achievements or future opportunities. The focus should shift to the remaining colleges on their list.
Parents can help by listening, acknowledging their student's feelings, and resisting the temptation to immediately analyze what went wrong.
The goal isn't simply admission to one particular college. It's finding a college where your student can thrive.
The weeks between early applications and admissions decisions don't need to be filled with constant activity. A few thoughtful steps can help students stay organized and maintain momentum.
Most importantly, revisit the college list before December. Does it still reflect your student's interests and priorities? Are there schools they'd be genuinely excited to attend?
Those conversations are worth having now, while there's still time to make adjustments.
