When should I expect to hear back from colleges?

I've applied to a few colleges and I'm feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. What's the typical timeline for hearing back from colleges? Is it different for early action and regular decision applicants? Any insight would be really helpful!

It's completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness while waiting for college decisions! The timeline for hearing back from colleges varies depending on the type of application you submitted (Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular Decision), the specific schools, and their individual decision release dates.

For Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) applicants, decisions are typically released in mid-December, although some schools may notify applicants as early as late November or as late as early January. Keep in mind that these dates can vary from year to year and between different colleges.

Regular Decision (RD) applicants generally receive their decisions between late March and early April, but again, this may vary depending on the college. Some schools have specific dates that they stick to, while others use a rolling admissions process, meaning that they review applications as they come in and release decisions throughout the cycle.

To find out when you can expect to hear back from the colleges you applied to, visit their admissions websites for information on decision notification dates. You can also keep an eye on your email inbox and the school's application portal, where updates and decisions may be posted.

Regardless of when you receive your decisions, be prepared that they might come with different outcomes: acceptances, waitlists, or rejections. Use this waiting period to research more about your prospective colleges, prepare for interviews if applicable, and start thinking about financial aid options such as scholarships and grants. Stay positive and remember that there are many great colleges out there where you can have a fulfilling experience!