Our DD is in college now, so we've been where you are now.
Step 1) Take a deep breath
Step 2) Think about why you are anxious. Did DC not apply to enough schools? Was the mix inappropriate...too many reach schools for your DC's GPA and course load? Not enough reach schools? Are you anxious because it seems that THE WAITING WILL NEVER END?
Step 3) If step 2 reveals gaps in your DC's application strategy, apply to more schools. The deadline for regular application for many many many schools has not passed. Even Harvard, Yale, and Brown still have two weeks to go.
Step 4) If DC is already getting outright rejected, it is time to go over the application and where DC applied with a professional.
Step 5) Wait and see what happens.
Step 6) Wait some more for answers from all the schools and all the financial aid offers.
Step 7) Make an informed, rational decision, based on available information, with the knowledge that you can NOT count on the offers improving with another round of applications (it may improve, but it may not).
Most of the students we know applying in the age range of 16-19 (at matriculation) did not see an impact of age on admission (some problems with dorms for 16 and under).
Hope this helps and best wishes!
