Understanding Admissions: When are College Decisions Typically Due?

Hey, y'all! I'm plugging through my applications and everything, but I'm unsure about something. When are college decisions typically due? I know it probably varies place to place, but when do people usually hear back?

The timeline for when colleges release decisions can vary widely, but in general there are some typical windows during which you can expect to receive news. For Regular Decision applicants, the majority of colleges aim to have decisions sent out by late March or early April. The exact date will differ by school and some schools may roll out decisions instead of releasing them all at once.

For Early Action or Early Decision applicants, decisions are typically released in mid-December. However, an applicant may occasionally be deferred, meaning that their application will be reconsidered alongside Regular Decision applications and they will receive their final admissions decision in the spring.

While a college will signal clearly when they've made a decision (usually by posting in an online portal), don't hesitate to reach out to your admissions officer if you have any questions or concerns about when you'll receive your decision. Just remember to be respectful of their time, especially during this busy decision-making period.

Once you've received your decisions, you'll typically have until May 1st, which is known as National College Decision Day, to commit to your school of choice. However, some schools may extend this deadline and provide you with more time to make your decision.

Keep an eye on your email and the admissions website for your chosen colleges as they'll often update you on when decisions will be released. It can be a nerve-wracking time but patience is key! Best of luck!