Early Action Is Over. Now What? What to Do After You Hit Submit

Early Action Is Over. Now What? What to Do After You Hit Submit

You did it. The essays, the supplements, the late nights they’re all behind you. You hit Submit.

But now what?

This strange in-between period after Early Action submissions and before decisions can feel just as stressful as the process itself. You’ve poured months into your applications, and suddenly there’s nothing left to do but wait.

The good news? There is plenty you can (and should) do in November to stay productive, confident, and ready for whatever comes next.

1. Take a Breather You’ve Earned It

You’ve just finished a marathon. Rest isn’t optional; it’s essential.

Take a few days to step away from essays, portals, and deadlines.
Go outside. Watch a movie. Sleep in. Let your brain reset.

Why this matters: Burnout can sneak up fast, and you’ll need that energy back when Regular Decision essays start calling your name later this month.

2. Check Your Portals & Email (But Not Every Hour)

Most colleges send a confirmation email within a few days of submission. Some might invite you to set up an applicant portal.

Log in, make sure your application is marked “Complete,” and that your transcript, test scores (if sent), and recommendations are all received.
Then… resist the urge to refresh every hour.

Checking once a week is enough. Colleges aren’t releasing EA decisions yet and over-checking only fuels anxiety.

3. Shift Focus to Regular Decision and Scholarships

November is the perfect time to plan for what’s next:

  • Regular Decision deadlines are coming up in January.
    Start identifying which schools need new or additional essays.

  • Scholarship season is officially open.
    Local and national awards start accepting applications this month.
    (Start with sites like Going Merry, Fastweb, or your school’s local list.)

🎓 Tip: Create a spreadsheet with columns for:
School name | Deadline | Essay prompt | Submitted? | Scholarship options

It’ll keep you organized through winter break.

4. Keep Grades Strong They Still Matter

Even if you’ve already submitted, colleges will still see your fall grades.

Midyear reports are sent in January, and a strong first semester can:

  • Reinforce your application’s academic strength

  • Balance out weaker areas

  • Even influence scholarship eligibility

So, yes senioritis can wait. 

5. Parents: How to Support During the Waiting Game

For parents, this is the hardest part waiting.
You’ve watched your student pour everything into this process, and now you’re both in limbo.

Here’s what helps most:
Encourage, don’t interrogate. (“How are you feeling about apps?” beats “Did you hear back yet?”)
Plan small celebrations even just a cozy weekend to mark progress.
Talk about next steps, but not in panic mode. Regular Decision is a continuation, not a restart.

6. Know What’s Coming Next

Here’s the general timeline for Early Action schools:

  • November: Application confirmations

  • December: Decisions released

  • January: Regular Decision deadlines

  • March/April: Final admissions results

Use November wisely to rest, reflect, and recalibrate.

Final Thoughts: This Season Is About Momentum, Not Control

You can’t control what happens in admissions offices right now but you can control your mindset, your next steps, and your energy.

So take pride in what you’ve already accomplished. Whether your Early Action school becomes the one or just one of many, this milestone proves you’re capable of the consistency, creativity, and commitment college success requires.

You’ve done the hard part. Now, breathe and keep moving forward.

Next Steps for November:

  • Take a short break you’ve earned it.

  • Organize Regular Decision and scholarship deadlines.

  • Keep grades strong through midterms.

  • Celebrate how far you’ve come. 

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