A student well-known to my family has just been accepted at Columbia University. The student went for early decision. And we had no doubt at all he would be accepted, yet we are overjoyed, and relieved.

Have you applied for early decision? You too should get you letter this week. I’m sure you already keep your eyes peeled for the post guy.

If you’re accepted, congratulations! You worked hard, stayed focused and here is the reward. Continue the good work, get your credits and your life is made.

It is possible your application is deferred. There may be many reasons for this, but stay hopeful. Good news may still be waiting to reach you. Meantime, continue to apply and concentrate on completing the senior year with good grades. Complete all your assignments. You have to impress your first-choice college! Polish your essay writing skills and start the hunt for recommendation letters.

It’s also possible you will be rejected in your first-choice college. The best way to deal with it is to tell yourself that rejection is part of life – I should know that as a writer. It is certainly not the end of the world. Take a good look at your applying strategy. Is there scope for improvement? Finish all your applications and send them off. And hope for the best.

Isn’t the applying process a great experience? All this systematic effort should help you in a lot of ways in the future.

Best of luck with college admissions!