Early Action College Admission: What's Next? A Roadmap for Post-Early Application Planning for Undergraduate Admissions

After submitting Early Applications to colleges, many students eagerly await the all-important admission decisions. This crucial phase in undergraduate admissions can bring a mix of emotions. At Invictus Prep, our primary goal is to ensure that our students are well-prepared for college admissions, equipping them with college-readiness skills (such as essay writing, exam prep, scheduling, interviewing, and more) to successfully navigate the application journey.

For those who are wondering what to do after submitting early action and early decision applications, we’ve put together a quick, step-by-step guide to what comes next.

Celebrating Success: What to do when you submit the early action or early decision application

First things first, don't forget that you've made a huge accomplishment by hitting that November 1st deadline! By going for the early decision and early action applications, you can take a deep breath knowing you have a better chance of getting into your top choice school. 

Going into the holiday season, make sure to take some time with friends and family to feel proud that you've submitted to your first-choice colleges. With the time off, you have some space to reflect on the next steps, what you want from the high school experience, and what steps to take before you receive admissions decisions. 

Post-Early Application: Finish strong with your exams, essays, extracurriculars, and regular decision

As you navigate the transition to college, remember that finishing high school strong is not just about your academic performance; it's about the journey you've taken and the person you've become. Your test scores, essays, and extracurricular activities represent your hard work and your commitment to personal growth. Further, highlighting this commitment can give you leverage as you may want to refine your applications in the regular decision periods (more on that later). 

Regardless of your chosen path in the college application process, embracing this phase with dedication and enthusiasm will serve you well as you embark on the next chapter of your academic journey!

Scholarship and Financial Aid: Understanding the next steps for securing financial support after early decision

Early action applicants have a leg-up when it comes to the financial side of college admissions. Waiting to make admissions decisions in early May, you have some extra breathing room to look into college funding. Scholarships and financial aid can alleviate the financial burden of college tuition and make your academic dreams a reality. Here are some financial basics to kick off the post-early action planning:

1. Scholarships: Scholarships are merit-based awards that can help cover your tuition, fees, and even living expenses. 

1. To start, research scholarships that align with your academic achievements, interests, and career goals. Reach out to your school's counseling department or utilize online scholarship databases to identify opportunities. 

2. Next, carefully read the application requirements and deadlines, and pay close attention to essay prompts or other submission requirements. Craft your scholarship application with care, highlighting your accomplishments and aspirations. Don't underestimate the power of a well-written essay – it can set you apart from other applicants.

2. Financial Aid: Financial aid encompasses a range of options, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. To determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, you'll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form provides crucial information about your financial situation and helps colleges assess your needs. Important note: be sure to meet the financial aid deadline for each school you're applying to, as deadlines can vary.

3. Institutional Aid: Many colleges and universities also offer their own financial aid packages. To access this support, complete the required financial aid forms for each institution. Some schools may have additional forms beyond the FAFSA. Make sure you’re on top of all deadlines for these forms as well!

4. Private Scholarships: Private organizations and foundations also offer scholarships that can significantly contribute to your college funding. Research these opportunities early, as their deadlines can be different from institutional or federal deadlines. Keep in mind that private scholarships can have specific requirements, such as essays, letters of recommendation, or evidence of community involvement.

As you prepare for the transition to college, it's important to remember that understanding the process for securing financial support is not exclusive to your admission application type. Whether you receive an offer of admission through early action, early decision, or regular decision, the financial aspect of your college journey is equally significant.

By being proactive, seeking out scholarship opportunities, and adhering to financial aid deadlines, you'll be well-equipped to make your academic aspirations a financial reality. Don't hesitate to reach out to your school counselor for guidance and support in this essential step of your first-year college planning. By being proactive and attentive to deadlines, you'll be on the right track to making your top choice college into a financially-feasible reality.

Preparing for Regular Decision: Strategies to enhance your regular decision applications

Unlike early action or early decision, which offer an earlier notification of admission decisions, regular decision applicants often have more time to refine their materials and put their best foot forward.

Below, we'll explore some strategies to help you make the most of your regular decision applications:

• Polish Your Essays and Personal Statements

  Your essays play a significant role in making your application stand out. Take the time to craft thoughtful, well-written essays that reveal your personality, values, and aspirations. Seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or mentors to ensure your essays are compelling and error-free.

• Highlight Your Extracurricular Activities

  Emphasize your involvement in extracurricular activities, as this showcases your interests, leadership skills, and dedication. Colleges value well-rounded individuals who contribute to their communities, so make sure your participation is clearly conveyed in your application.

• Request Strong Letters of Recommendation

  Approach teachers and mentors who know you well and can write strong letters of recommendation. These letters provide insights into your character, work ethic, and potential for success in college.

• Explore Backup Schools

  While you may have your heart set on a few dream colleges, it's wise to consider backup schools. These are institutions where your academic qualifications align well with their admission criteria, increasing your chances of acceptance.

  *Remember, many students apply to a range of colleges to maximize their options.

• Pay Attention to Deadlines

  Regular decision application deadlines can vary among colleges, so be sure to keep track of each institution's specific deadline. Missing a deadline can result in your application not being considered.

• Utilize the Common Application

  If the colleges you're applying to accept the Common Application, take advantage of this streamlined process to apply to multiple schools efficiently. It simplifies the application process and helps ensure you don't overlook any essential details.

Remember that regular decision applicants have more time to fine-tune their applications, but that doesn't mean you should procrastinate. Start early, stay organized, and be mindful of deadlines. Your college journey is a significant step toward your first-year experience, and putting in the effort now will set the stage for a successful admission decision. Whether you receive an offer of admission via early action, early decision, or regular decision, your hard work in preparing your application will serve you well in your future endeavors!

Bottom-Line

In the whirlwind of post-early action college applications, many students find themselves at a critical crossroads, weighing the decisions they've received against their goals and aspirations. Whether you've been admitted early or deferred to regular decision, the period leading up to admissions decisions is marked by an intense blend of excitement, uncertainty, and strategic planning. 

As applicants may apply to multiple colleges, utilizing the Common Application and seeking guidance from their counselors, they embark on the journey to secure a spot at their first-choice institution or make critical backup plans. The final decision – to accept, defer, or decline an offer of admission – is a pivotal step toward realizing their dreams of becoming first-year college students!

Extra Guidance

Staying on top of essays, financial aid plans, and regular decision applications is worth it, but it can be overwhelming. Invictus Prep offers personalized services to help you schedule, organize, and put your best foot forward for the next steps of your academic journey. And an added bonus - our specialists are wonderful! 

If you want to see how these services can help your individual needs, you can reach out to us here info@invictus-prep.org, or book a trial call with us below!