College Admissions Consulting When You Don't Get Into Your Top Choice Written by Kyra Tyleron March 29th, 2014 I have worked in a variety of roles in higher education over the course of my career. I began my career in admissions at Brandeis University, where I spearheaded the school’s student of color recruitment effort. In addition to reviewing applications for incoming freshmen, I also managed the transfer application review process where I was responsible for reading the applications and making the final admissions decision. I also chaired a committee dedicated to offering scholarships and performance opportunities to talented chamber musicians and served as the admissions representative for the selection of the university’s Posse Foundation scholars. Prior to joining College Coach, I was awarded a Presidential Fellowship from Harvard University where I worked in development at the Harvard College Fund. I also worked at the Harvard Alumni Association while pursuing a master of education at the Graduate School of Education. Learn More About Kyra choosing the right college, college admissions advice, deciding on a college, Didn’t get into your first-choice school? You have options. College decision season has arrived and, unfortunately, not every student will be accepted to his or her top choice college. But just because you didn’t get into your first choice doesn’t mean you don’t have options. With the May 1 national response day a little over a month away, students still have time to make a decision. College Coach admissions expert Kyra Tyler spoke with USA Today College earlier this week and shared three alternatives for students who didn’t get into their top-choice college. Read more about them here. Related Resources Read | Posted on April 29th, 2025 Navigating the Ethical Use of AI Tools in College Admissions Read | Posted on April 22nd, 2025 Demystifying Liberal Arts: What They Are and Aren't Read | Posted on March 11th, 2025 Does a Teen Need to File a Tax Return?