Early decision is a time of angst for many prospective students. The anxious anticipation on the front end is bad enough; afterward, those for whom the news is not that of welcoming acceptance are often profoundly disappointed and desperate for an explanation.

Whitney Soule, Bowdoin’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, joined colleagues Timothy Lee, director of undergraduate admissions at the University of Albany-SUNY, and Katie Fretwell, dean of admission and financial aid at Amherst College, to talk about how to show colleges continued interest, what not to do if you’re deferred, and whether appealing an admissions denial could work.

They spoke with U.S. News & World Report digital producer Briana Boyington during a discussion livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook and available for viewing here.