Super-positive thread. Thank you, everyone, for an upbeat perspective on the application season.

Anonymous wrote:I'm pretty sure that a rejection in the early round means the regular round doesn't exist for you.

The regular round does exist for the student rejected in the early round, just not at that particular College or University. I think that is why OP advises students not to get discouraged, no matter what the outcome of the EA/ED. Yes, Duke may pass on you this year, but then Virginia may come through for you in the RD. I appreciate the advice not to get discouraged, and will use it with my own YA if the EA/ED is a rejection or deferral.

I'm pretty sure that a rejection in the early round means the regular round doesn't exist for you.

OP here again. I just re-read my original post, and have had a good laugh over the follow-ups. You are all right, I do sound over enthusiastic, and I apologize for my exuberance.

I do love my high school senior very much, but I am unfortunately the opposite of the over-involved parent. I am the parent who everyone wonders about because I am always picking up my children late, or asking if someone can give them a ride home.

I am a first-generation American Latina. My own mother had to flee her Country because it was very dangerous for her there, and had to work to support herself and her family once she arrived here -- so she never attended college. I did, and I would love for the oldest of my five children (and actually, all of them) to attend college also.

Unfortunately with no family nearby, no nanny or outside help, and a husband who commutes to another City each week, I am too busy raising the children to be able to supervise my Senior's college application.

That is why I am so very grateful to the experienced and knowledgeable college counselors at our high school, and so very proud of my Senior for figuring out what needs to be done at each step, in each year, with each exam or class or extracurricular or recommendation; and for successfully submitting the Early Application.

I think that all of our Seniors deserve kudos for the hard work they will put in this year in applying to colleges, whether or not they have a strong, built-in support system. Good luck everyone!

While some posters have been harsh I do think you sound over involved.

Wow. Loosen the apron strings, OP.

My mother was like you. She lived for the daily mail until the "fat" envelope arrived from my first choice school. Then we celebrated.

Then I went to college. Me. Not mom. Do you see the distinction there?

Mom, you are a little too obsessed. Take it to college confidential.

Anonymous wrote:Congratulations to the Class of 2015 for taking this first step in the college application process. Good luck to everyone, and I will be on pins and needles until the December and January EAs and EDs come out! And remember that a deferral or a rejection in the early round does not mean you are not a good candidate who will do well in the admissions process in the Regular Decision round. Always keep a positive outlook on this journey.

Is DCUM really read by many high school seniors?

Congratulations to the Class of 2015 for taking this first step in the college application process. Good luck to everyone, and I will be on pins and needles until the December and January EAs and EDs come out! And remember that a deferral or a rejection in the early round does not mean you are not a good candidate who will do well in the admissions process in the Regular Decision round. Always keep a positive outlook on this journey.