We know getting rejected is tough, and an early decision rejection from your dream school can hit especially hard. Pomona’s acceptance rates are no joke—7% overall and 13% for ED. But keep in mind, that doesn’t mean you were “twice as likely” to get in during ED, and approx. 1,400 other students also got similar news. You’re far from alone in this, and we want to remind you: not getting into Pomona doesn’t define your future. You’re still headed for a fantastic school where you’ll thrive.
If you’re feeling the urge to panic, take a deep breath. In this post, we’ll walk you through steps to regain control and set yourself up for success as you move forward.
Step One: Take a Little Break
Yes, we’re serious—you need to take a step back and give yourself a break. Here’s why: if you applied early decision to Pomona, you’re probably a high-achiever and a bit of a perfectionist, which likely means you’ve been pushing yourself hard for months. The intensity of the college application process might have you a little frayed around the edges (and maybe your friends have noticed, too). And now, you’re imagining yourself in an entirely different future than the one you dreamed of a few days ago. Chill.
So, instead of spiraling or burning out, take a few days to process and let yourself feel whatever emotions come up. Give your mind a real break, because you’ll need it at max capacity for the next steps. For now, do something that helps you relax—whether that’s treating yourself to some ice cream, punching a pillow, or buying some cheap plates from the thrift store and then smashing them into a bunch of bits. Then, after a day or so, come back refreshed and ready to dive into our next steps.
Step Two: Strategize
The first step is to review your college list. If you’re like our clients, you’ve probably created a balanced list of 8 to 12 schools, covering a healthy mix of safeties, targets, and reaches. In that case, you likely won’t need to make major changes. Just double-check that the remaining schools align with your goals, and consider which one might be a good fit for ED2.
For those of you who focused only on Pomona or just a few other schools, you’ll have a bit more work ahead. You’ll want to build a list that includes a balanced range of safety, target, and reach schools—and, most importantly, schools where you’d be genuinely excited to attend if accepted. Start by identifying what you loved most about Pomona—was it a specific program or academic focus? Let that be your primary filter so each school you add aligns with your academic interests. Beyond academics, consider factors like campus culture, size, and location, but keep in mind that no school will check every single box. Also, you’re kind of in luck since there are a few other schools in the Claremont Colleges that actually might be a better personality fit! If there are absolute dealbreakers, like avoiding large schools or campuses with an intense Greek life presence, prioritize those. Otherwise, keep an open mind and explore a range of options.
Okay, everyone come back now for ED2. We highly recommend applying ED2—it’s a smart move with acceptance rates often similar to those for early decision. Schools value ED2 applications because those binding commitments boost their yield rate, which means they often fill a large portion of their incoming class with early applicants, ED2 included. This doesn’t mean that all regular decision acceptances is off the table, but we’re all about maximizing your chances. That’s why we have all our clients choose ED2 options just in case.
Step Three: Essays
Once your college list is finalized—especially if you’ve added a lot of new schools—it’s time to tackle those supplemental essays. Our website has detailed guides for many school-specific supplements and even some for the more common questions you’ll see across applications. But before diving into supplements, there’s something even more important: your Common App essay.
We hate to say it, but you most likely need to rewrite your Common App essay. Ah! Stop throwing tomatoes at us!! Look, we’d wager that your current essay might be on the cliché side. If you wrote about your very inspiring grandma, your biggest achievement, or the hardest challenge you’ve faced, you’re likely telling a story admissions officers have heard thousands of times before, and probably dozens of others on the day they read yours. We believe you probably wrote it beautifully, but our goal is to help you stand out among the crowd.
You’re probably not thrilled about writing a new essay in just two weeks. But trust us, it can be done. Every year, we help students write incredible Common App essays in the two-week window between rejections and RD deadlines.
The toughest part? Brainstorming. The purpose of this essay is to showcase your personality in a way that goes beyond the numbers and achievements already on your application. Think about the qualities that can’t be easily measured—maybe a unique quirk, a hobby you’re passionate about, a family tradition, or even a fresh perspective you bring to everyday things. We encourage you to approach your brainstorming with storytelling in mind, because if there’s one thing colleges love in a Common App essay, it’s a good story. And don’t feel pressured to write about a grand moment—sometimes a simple story, like cooking with your mom, captures personality the best. In fact, those small, personal stories are often the most memorable.
A standout Common App essay tells a story, and every great story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use vivid language to bring your narrative to life, placing the reader right in the heart of your experience and making them feel like they’re living it alongside you.
Step Four: Ask for Help
If you’re feeling stuck right now—and we understand, this is an emotionally intense time—we’re here to help. Every year, we offer our “It’s Going to Be Okay” package, designed to support you through these critical next two weeks. This intensive boot camp guides you through every part of the Common App you might need assistance with, from brainstorming to execution. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support—we’ve got you covered.
Rejected and don’t know what to do? Reach out to us ASAP.