If you just found out that you've been accepted to your top college choice, congratulations!If you just found out that you've NOT been accepted to your top college choice, congratulations!Whether you're accepted, denied or in waitlist limbo, your journey has just begun. For those who are feeling down about denied admission, think about your next best options. Chances are that you have backup schools on your list that are excited about the prospect of you enrolling at their colleges. Don’t beat yourself up or second guess every detail in your application. Avoid sentences that start with “I could’ve”, “I should’ve” and/or “I would’ve." These are dead-end thoughts that need to be driven out of your head and replaced with “I can” and “I will” plans for the future.  Here are a few great tips to get you out of pessimistic mode and get you ready to proactively pursue your future:

• Revisit your safety schools: Schedule campus visits where you have been accepted. You may find that you have found a new best match.

• Gear up so you can transfer to your top college selection after a couple years. You should commit yourself to academic excellence at your initial school to make yourself the best candidate for future college and grad school admissions.

• Take a carefully-planned ‘gap year’: Ramp up your activities and accomplishments to successfully gain admission when you apply again. The gap year option can be risky and set you back a few years in the college timeline. Be sure to think very hard about how this year can equip you for your college education. Ask yourself what you are going to achieve that will make you a great candidate for admission the next time around. 

• Look for colleges with "Open Admission” that will accept and enroll students clear up to the day that classes begin. Your local community college might be just the place to prepare for transfer!