College Acceptance Letters Sent, Did Your Kid Make The Cut?

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There has been some controversy whether or not 2020 is not only the New Year, but also the new decade. Some think we have embarked on the next decade while others believe it actually starts next January. What we all know is that we are in a new year and with that comes a new round of admissions items.

Some students who applied ED or EA to university had pre-Christmas presents of positive decisions coming their way. Others may have to wait while decisions are still being made or they have been deferred. Just a reminder – a Deferral is not a Denial. You are still very much in the game even though the news was a bit disturbing. While you may feel a bit of Bah Humbug, you can still win that race if you are keen to do so.

As we are now about to enter the second week of January a whole new set of deadlines come starting next week. EDII for many schools and if you are applying to boarding school your applications are also due at the same time – January 15. It’s time to put the last tweaks on your essays, make sure all of your test scores have been sent and if requested, interviews.

The good news is that you are almost done, aside from the seemingly eternal wait. What is critical at this time of the year, one might say the Winter Blues, is that you stay focused. Focus on your academics and extra-curricular activities, revise for upcoming exams – IGSCE, A2, IB or AP, whatever your particular case may be. This is particularly true for students who were deferred or denied in the early rounds of college applications.

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Being denied can definitely throw you for a serious downward loop. Remember, don’t take a denial as a personal affront. No doubt you put together a fantastic essay, did all the right things, and had amazing test scores. But, somehow your application didn’t cut the final round. It hurts, definitely. Time to move on. Do not spiral out of control, please! You are better than that and most likely your expectations were a bit off target. Know this, the world is still revolving and you are OK. There are still great schools, if your list is appropriate, who will take you.

If you did get in, this is not the time to rest on your laurels and let the world slide by. Remember that that university is expecting you to bring home the results that you presented in the application process. US universities, unlike UK universities, do not state clearly in their decisions (actually they do, but you might not have read that part of the congratulation letter) that the offer is conditional. Just know that it is; the conditions being that you finish your Senior year presenting final results that match your predicted and previous semester’s grades. Basically, you aren’t done until you’re done.

For everyone in the application process, know that there is a right, good fit school for you. It may not be the one you truly hoped for when you were dreaming, but learning and living in any school will provide you with the academic and life experiences that will change your life if you are open to making your education wherever you go!

     Hamilton Gregg

Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email [e-mail]

Photos: time.com, thoughtco.com, unsplash, University of Lynchburg, Slate, EWA, vsu.edu.ph,

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