The best thing you can do is accept that the fact that you likely will not get in. If you do get accepted, you will be pleasantly surprised, but if not you are prepared. My son applied for EA and got deferred. He has a 36 on the ACT and perfect GPA. I’m not very objective, but I thought his ECs and essays were good and his recommendations were glowing. He thought his interview went very well. But my son is the first to tell you those stats are a dime a dozen for MIT applicants. He knows he isn’t entitled to anything and that there are no guarantees, no matter how perfect one’s stats. We also realize that, if they weren’t impressed enough to admit him in the first round, he isn’t likely to get in now. Of course we still hope. But he as already been admitted to some outstanding schools, including one with a full scholarship and another with a potential full scholarship. He is truly blessed. If the worst thing that ever happens to him is that he doesn’t get into MIT, he will be a lucky kid. These are first world problems. Hope for the best, but assume the worst. Happy Pi Eve!
That said, I do have a request for advice. My son’s scholar bowl team is competing in the sectionals tomorrow. At the risk of sounding cocky, he is very valuable to the team. Should he check his portal before the competition or wait until after? I know he is dying to find out, but I don’t want him to be off his game if he gets rejected. What do you all think?