One of the most stressful aspects of college applications is waiting for decisions. Here is a precise timeline so you know when to expect responses.
Early Decision I (ED I) and Early Action (EA)
Decisions are typically released in mid-December — most commonly in the second or third week of December. A few schools (like MIT) release EA decisions in mid-December. The exact date varies by school; check each school's admissions website for their specific notification date.
Early Decision II (ED II)
ED II decisions are typically released in mid-February — often around February 10–20. Some schools notify as early as late January or as late as early March. Check each school's calendar.
Regular Decision (RD)
Most schools release Regular Decision notifications in late March or early April. The most common window is March 28 through April 5. Some schools have become known for specific dates: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT typically release in the last week of March. The UC System releases decisions in late March.
Waitlist and Deferral Decisions
Students who are waitlisted after Regular Decision typically receive final waitlist decisions in late April through May, and sometimes as late as June or July if yield falls short of enrollment targets.
The May 1 Deadline
National Candidate Reply Date is May 1 — the universal deadline by which students must submit their enrollment deposit. You can and should wait until May 1 to make your final decision, comparing all acceptances and financial aid packages. No school can require you to commit before May 1 for Regular Decision admits.