It is postulated by leading psychologists that there are five stages to making a college decision: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. * Note: Do not confuse the "Acceptance" stage with the period in March during which students are notified of the status of their College Applications; this is more accurately described as "rejection". "Acceptance", as used in this context, refers more to a sort of "resignation to abject insignificance".