Early Decisions Are Arriving Soon. Here’s How to Prepare — and How to Receive the News with Aplomb.

We’re entering one of the most emotionally charged windows of the admissions cycle: over the coming weeks, most Early Decision and Early Action results will be released.

For students, this stretch can feel suspended between hope and uncertainty. You’ve done the work, submitted your applications, and now the countdown has begun. For parents, it’s a mix of pride, anticipation, and the challenge of supporting your child through a moment that feels bigger than a single click on a portal.

Before the decisions arrive (whether they bring joy, relief, frustration, or a complicated mix of feelings) this is an opportunity to ground yourself. How you prepare for the moment can make just as much of a difference as how you respond to it.

As Results Approach: How to Set the Stage with Calm and Clarity

1. Expect emotion — and normalize it.

The days leading up to decision releases can bring tension, overthinking, excitement, and even avoidance. All of it is normal. Naming the feelings ahead of time can make the moment itself feel less overwhelming.

2. Create a plan for how you want to receive the news.

A lot of stress actually comes from the uncertainty of the moment, not the decision itself.

Encourage students to decide:

• Do I want to open the portal alone or with someone?

• At home or outside?

• Immediately when it drops or after a grounding activity?

This intentionality helps students feel more in control of an uncontrollable process.

3. Set gentle expectations for the range of outcomes.

This is a moment filled with hope — but it’s also important to prepare emotionally for admits, deferrals, and denials. Preparing doesn’t dampen the excitement; it builds resilience and prevents whiplash.

4. Remember the broader landscape.

Early rounds are incredibly competitive. Many colleges fill small portions of their class early or use ED/EA to shape institutional priorities. Understanding this upfront softens the personal sting of outcomes that may not match the strength of the student. This is why your student has built a robust list of colleges they're interested in: so they find a school that fits and aligns with their desires while still giving themselves a chance for their big and challenging aspirations.

5. Ground your self-worth (or your student’s worth) before decisions arrive.

A college decision reflects fit and institutional needs — not your value, potential, or identity. Embracing this knowledge, as difficult as it can sometimes feel for students and parents, is important.

Reminding yourself of this ahead of time helps frame whatever comes next.

Overall

Early decisions may shape the next few months, but they do not define who you are or what comes next. Hold the moment lightly, take it one step at a time, and let the story continue to reveal itself. Whether you need advice on how to proceed or wish to celebrate with us, don't hesitate to reach out.