I've been Waitlisted.
 

For the waitlisted, treat it like a rejection (it essentially is). Although there is a chance to get off the waitlist, it is almost like a lottery in which you can't do much to increase your chances. It's better to just accept your spot on the waitlist but proceed as if you received a rejection.

I've been Rejected.
 

For the rejected, receiving rejection after rejection can be gut-wrenching, but the reality is you need to begin preparing for your next year now. Start to think, do you want to take a gap-year? Or maybe you should try entering local universities and go to the US for your Master Degree?

Begin preparing now.
 

Assuming you're willing to take a gap year, begin preparing now. You may feel held back by the upcoming Ivy Day when your top university decisions are released. Although I'm sure some students will receive acceptances, there is little stopping you from preparing for the more likely possibility of being rejected.

How do I prepare?
 

The most important thing is to solidify your academics. Don't ponder if you should do SATs or extracurriculars: you need to do both! Having a strong academic portfolio will always be an immense benefit for your application, so solidify yours!
 

Assess the direction you hope to take your application and what it would benefit from. For example, are you a student with your own organization or startup? Get it legitimized by focusing on your service/product and applying for business accelerators or competition. Maybe you can try LaunchX, an entrepreneurship camp with an admittedly close upcoming deadline. (Note: many EC program deadlines have passed or are passing, so this part has some urgency)
 

Although programs and extracurriculars are important, you need to, as "philosophy nerd" as this sounds, self-reflect on a deeper level. Remember, there have been people with seemingly "unimpressive" extracurriculars admitted to Ivy Leagues from Uzbekistan: why? Because what's important is how you frame your life experiences.
 

A question everyone should ask themselves post-rejection: do I need the US?
 

And if your answer is "I need it." Well, what's stopping you from preparing to improve your chances now.

Final Note: Admissions Work
If you're considering applying to Ivy League Universities check out Freshman Academy (freshman.academy), in the last year alone our Cenntral Asian students have been accepted to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and many more universities.

Alternaitvely, check out my telegram channel where I post similar content (https://t.me/lyoshasabuse)