Waiting for college decisions can be an exciting and anxious time for students and their families. Knowing when to expect these decisions can help alleviate some of the stress. While the exact dates may vary, there are common timelines followed by most colleges and universities.
Early Decision/Early Action
Colleges offering early decision or early action programs generally release their decisions earlier than regular decision applicants. Early decision applicants usually receive their decisions by mid-December, whereas early action applicants receive them by late December or early January. This allows students who are accepted early to make their decisions and potentially secure their spot at the college of their choice.
Regular Decision
For regular decision applicants, the timeline is typically a bit later. Most colleges release their regular decision notifications in March or early April. This timing gives the admissions committees enough time to review the applications thoroughly and make their decisions. Waiting for regular decision results can be a bit longer, but it allows students to compare offers from different colleges before making their final decision.
Rolling Admission
Colleges with rolling admission policies review applications as they are received and make decisions on an ongoing basis. With rolling admission, students usually hear back within a few weeks of submitting their application. This means that decisions may be released at various times throughout the year, depending on when students apply. It is advisable to apply early for rolling admission to increase the chances of securing a spot at the desired college.
Conclusion
While the exact dates for college decisions can vary, early decision/early action applicants can expect to hear back by mid-December or early January. Regular decision applicants typically receive notifications in March or early April, while rolling admission applicants hear back within a few weeks of submitting their application. It is important to check the specific college’s website or contact their admissions office to get accurate and up-to-date information regarding decision release dates.
