CC is always a wealth of information. The article states that the ED “rejection” is final, and that RD apps won’t be considered. (except in very rare appeal circumstances).
There really is an upside to this. Yes, after that initial shock of getting denied your first choice ED college, the world truly is your oyster. If the student applied EA to other schools, then those are all viable options now. Do a search on all colleges still accepting apps, and narrow down some more awesome choices. There are excellent colleges that do rolling admissions, so look at those. Maybe rework essays. There are a lot moving parts, including having scores, transcripts and rec letters sent, so time is of the essence now.
I would add that if the ED college is a dream school (financial and you’ve always wanted to attend, you eat, sleep, drink that college), then consider community college or other in state school. Blow out your GPA, and transfer. If you begin in the summer, It may be possible to transfer In the spring. Or fall sophomore year.
“All roads lead to Rome.”
Good luck all.