Well, by now you should have your applications for fall 2010 wrapped up. Though we are no longer able to offer active support, our thoughts are with all of you who will be anxiously waiting to hear from admissions. Over the next several months, take time to relax. You worked hard on getting your materials organized. Whatever happens from here, you did your very best. Now, it's time to leave it to the experts.

One hint: If you have ANY changes in your application or updates, be sure to communicate that ASAP to admissions offices in an email with a follow-up hardcopy sent via snail mail.

ALSO, keep an eye on financial aid deadlines for individual schools. You can fill out FAFSA online anytime after January 1st using your 2008 tax returns, updating your information once your 2009 returns are completed in April.

Good luck! Enjoy getting those acceptances! And if you get any rejections, if you really want to go to that campus, attempt to negotiate probationary admission or wait-list status. Find out when you can apply as a transfer student if you can't negotiate a more immediate acceptance. Prepare to apply for transfer for the following fall by sending in your application before Thanksgiving 2010. Remember that everything is negotiable--there is no failure. You can only fail at not trying.

And before I end this entry, let me issue a congratulations to Shadab K. who got into University of Rochester Medical School for fall 2010, Patrick A. for admissions to Florida Coastal School of Law, Jacky L., who will receive his acceptance to Wharton any day now, Kate P. who is also expecting acceptances to graduate school including Northeastern in Boston, and Matt K., who will be working on his MFA in fall '10! Great job all!!! I'm so very proud of you.

All my best!