<p>Deferrals: Please do NOT think of it as, “I didn’t get in.” Because the more accurate description is, “They converted my application to RD and now I’m on the same timeline as everyone else. How can I use this to my advantage?”</p>
<p>You know your application is at least competitive, or else you would have been denied outright. You now have an advantage over most RD applications in that you know you need to send them more information. Midyear grades, activities, new test scores, send them SOMETHING to show you’re even better now than when you originally submitted your ED application. You’re going up against RD applicants who feel just as confident about their chances as you did a few months ago… but you now know you need to make a better impression, and most RD applicants don’t know yet that their case isn’t good enough.</p>
<p>Denials: It hurts. I know, I’ve been through it (not W&M, but other great schools). Take a few days to think about what you could have done differently or better, and sharpen your efforts on your other applications. You will get in somewhere good, and you will be happy again when you actually start college. I promise.</p>
<p>GL to all of you.</p>