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- Ivy Day is when the Ivy League schools announce their admissions decisions simultaneously.
- An admissions expert provides advice for students who've been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted.
- No matter the outcome, students need to remember their worth.
You poured your heart and soul into crafting the strongest college applications — and then you took time to breathe. Now, Ivy Day is near, and the anticipation builds yet again. The clock seems to tick a little louder as the Ivy League schools — Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Cornell, Dartmouth, UPenn, and Columbia — all prepare to announce their admissions decisions.
As an admissions expert, I observe this roller coaster of emotions every year. It's my privilege to support students who earn admission to these or other top schools.
Either way, the whirlwind of emotions you feel now will soon give way to clarity. Here's what you should do next if you've been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted.
Accepted
You don't need me to remind you to celebrate. But make sure you hug the family and friends cheering for you; do it with gratitude and grace. Reach out to teachers, counselors, mentors, and friends who contributed in any way. Share the great news and thank them for their support. You didn't get this far completely on your own. Acknowledge those who helped you out along the way.
Now that most of your admission decisions have arrived, it's time to consider your options. Review your personal and family priorities, then decide which college boasts the right campus culture, the right academic programs, and the right facilities at the right price.
Rejected
I get it: Being rejected hurts. You gave everything you had to create a strong application, so it's OK if you need some time and space. It's important to remember that you're still a great student and that you will still get into college. All is not lost; you have a bright future ahead of you.
Anytime my students care deeply about an outcome not completely within their control, I teach them to add three words when stating goals. The words "or something better" hold immense power. A statement could be something like, "I want to get into Columbia or something better." Add the three magic words to your goals, and trust that if the news you get is disappointing, you are resourceful enough to find an even better outcome.
Then, as soon as you're ready, stand up straight, pull your shoulders back, and stick out your chest. Tell the school confidently, "It's your loss," and begin exploring your own "something better."
Waitlisted
Let's say you get the dreaded "maybe" response. Follow the instructions for that school, and don't try to read between the lines or outsmart the college. Send in the materials they ask for, and leave it at that.
Instead of pushing relentlessly to persuade the college to take you off their waitlist, use that energy to prepare for your "something better" ahead. The school may eventually accept your application, but their delay could be to their detriment. It will be their loss if you've fallen in love with a different but better option.
While college admission is a big accomplishment, the path there is not always direct or as expected. Your success and overall happiness depend far more on how resourceful you are at college than on where you attend.
No matter what, remember to keep your perspective
You agonized over which application details to include or leave out. You crafted a story about who you are and how your community involvement helped make where you live better. The real you is much more complex and interesting than the details you squeezed in, but the admissions officers saw only your application to help them decide.
Not only are they unable to delve in fully, but officers must typically look for applications that fill institutional priorities that year. The school orchestra and sports teams need the right talent in the right positions. The college research teams need researchers, and the drama department needs key performers. Perhaps less obvious priorities are in place, such as adding rural students to balance the extra-urban students admitted last year. These priorities can change dramatically from year to year, and you will never know for sure what they are.
Because so much of the admissions decision-making is outside your control, please remember that it is your application — not you personally — that is being accepted or rejected.