Coming to Terms with Early Decision Regret

Buyer’s remorse. Road not taken. So many people have felt like you, so many people will. Most people view binding ED situations these ways: (1) Right after decisions, wahoo, fist pumps galore, then (2) This lack of admissions stress is fantastic, then (3) Hmm, it would have been nice to have choices, and then (4) I wonder if I made the right choice after all… You asked for advice. So…

Your feelings are all too human. Everyone makes choices and then later has doubts. It’s okay. At some point, and sooner is better, it will be time to focus on the road you are on. Take time to find things you will like, can enjoy, can get excited about. Rediscover what your gut told you made Dartmouth attractive (again, at this point, it’s not about ED for you and choices, it’s about how you move forward). There are plenty of reasons to like it, to love it. Hopefully, you will fall in love again. And you will laugh about the regret (as so many also do). I have no advice for things if they don’t work out, because let’s be honest, right now, there’s no rational reason to assume so. This is about your emotions, and feelings. It’s okay. Don’t fixate on them, and let them go when you’re ready (again, sooner is better).