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In this guide, we explain when to expect to receive your college decision notifications. We also give you a chart of estimated college acceptance dates for 2023 and offer helpful tips on what to do as you wait for your college acceptance letters.

When Do College Acceptance Letters Arrive, Generally?

First off, when do college acceptance letters arrive, broadly speaking?

While the answer to this question really depends on what colleges you're applying to, in general most decisions come out in the springtime, that is, in either March or early April.

The latest you might hear back from a college will be the first week of April. This is because most schools require decisions from applicants on where they want to attend by May 1.

Some colleges work together to release their decisions at the same time. The Ivy League, which is composed of eight highly prestigious colleges , releases its decisions on " Ivy Day ," a specific day at the end of March (note that the exact date changes each year).

But what if you applied to a college early action or early decision ? In these cases, since applications are due earlier (usually in November), you can expect an earlier decision notification as well—usually around December.

Some schools offer secondary early decision plans called Early Decision II for which applications are due a little bit later, usually in January. For these plans, decisions should come out around February.

Here is a chart showing the general trends of when college acceptance letters come out:

These days, most college acceptance letters will arrive as either an email or application status update on a college's own application portal. Afterward, you'll usually receive a hard copy of your acceptance letter in the mail and further updates via email or mail.

An Aside: What If You're Waitlisted?

Sometimes, instead of getting a college acceptance letter or rejection, you'll get a letter stating that you've been waitlisted . This means that the college is still considering you for admission depending on how many admitted applicants choose to enroll.

As a result, you'll need to decide (typically by May 1) whether you want to stay on the waitlist to see if you get off it, or take yourself off the waitlist, thereby eliminating your chances of getting in .

If you decide to stay on the waitlist, you won't get a college decision notification until possibly as late as August, right before the school year starts. When you hear back ultimately depends on the school and how quickly it's able to fill up its new freshman class.

College Acceptance Dates 2023

We have a general understanding of when college acceptance letters arrive. But when do college decisions come out in 2022-2023? And how do these decision dates differ depending on the college?

To answer these two questions, we put together an extensive list of popular schools and their reported or estimated college acceptance dates for the 2022-2023 application cycle. These include both admissions decisions dates for students who applied Early Action or Early Decision , as well as those who applied Regular Decision.

All schools are listed alphabetically.

Waiting for College Acceptance Letters? 3 Tips for What to Do

We've given you the general dates you can expect to receive your college admission decision. But what should you do in the meantime, after you've submitted all your applications and are waiting for decision notifications from colleges?

Here are three essential tips to keep in mind during this time.

#1: Focus on School

One of the most important steps you can take is to focus on school and keep up your grades.

Try your best not to let senioritis hit you, especially considering that most colleges will want to see your final transcripts before you get to campus—even after they've admitted you.

If you have any big dips in your grades senior year, a college could rescind your acceptance and reject you instead. Do not take any chances at this time! Continue to work hard, study for all the tests you have, and finish your homework on time. Keep making school a priority.

Finally, continuing to do well in school is especially important if you plan to take any AP tests at the end of senior year. You want to keep up your studying so that you can earn a passing score on the tests you're taking , hopefully earning you some college credit.

#2: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you know you'll need some help with money in order to attend college, these months of waiting for decisions to come out are an ideal time to shift your focus from college applications to FAFSA and scholarships.

Applying for FAFSA makes you eligible to receive federal-, state-, and/or college-sponsored financial aid, including loans, grants, and work-study.

If you're interested in winning free scholarship money, I'd advise you to do some research on any college scholarships you might be eligible for. These scholarships can be based on merit, such as your GPA and SAT/ACT scores, or financial need (or both).

For more tips on how to find and apply for scholarships, check out our financial aid blog posts as well as our most popular scholarship and aid guides:

• Simple Guide: How to Apply for Financial Aid
• How to Find Scholarships for College: Expert Guide
• Top Scholarships for High School Seniors
• The Easiest Scholarships to Apply For
• Easy Scholarships to Win: How to Find and Apply
• The Complete List of Community Service Scholarships
• Amazing Full-Ride Scholarships You Can Win
• Complete List: Weird Scholarships You Can Win
• How to Get a Merit Scholarship: 6-Step Guide

#3: Keep Tabs on Your Email and Application Status

As you wait for college decisions to come out, it's important that you routinely check your email (whichever email you put down for your college applications) and application status on the school's website.

Some schools will only announce their decisions online through their application portals, some will email their decisions directly, and others will mail their decisions before sending out emails (this is becoming less common, though).

Even if you're not expecting to get a college decision anytime soon, try to keep tabs on your inbox and application status. This will help ensure you're not missing any application materials and that the college isn't trying to contact you about any last-minute problems with your application.

Conclusion: When Do College Acceptance Letters Arrive?

There are many answers to the question, "When do college decisions come out?" In general, most college decisions are released online by email or through an application portal in March or early April.

If you applied early action or early decision, you can expect to hear back about your application status in December (or around February if you applied Early Decision II).

The latest you'll get a college acceptance letter is the first week of April, since most colleges require admitted applicants to submit their decisions about where they want to attend by May 1.

If you get waitlisted at a college and choose to stay on the list, you won't receive an official decision until possibly as late as August.

Once you've submitted your applications and are waiting to hear back from colleges, be sure to take these three steps:

• Focus on school and continue to keep up your grades
• Apply for financial aid and scholarships, including FAFSA
• Keep tabs on your email and application status by routinely checking your inbox and the school's application status page

As a final tip, stay positive—you never know where you're gonna get in!

What's Next?

What do college acceptance letters look like? Learn what a typical college acceptance letter says and how it looks with our in-depth guide .

Got rejected from your top-choice school? Or scared of getting a rejection letter? Read our guide to get tips on how you can get through a college rejection and what you can do to improve your chances of getting in .

The key to getting a college acceptance letter is having a great application. And the best way to ensure you have an impressive application is to know what looks good on it .

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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Your Complete Guide to College Acceptance Letters

• Admissions and College Search

College Acceptance Letters: A Complete Guide

Congratulations! All your college applications are in. Now comes the exciting part- waiting for your acceptance letters to arrive. But what happens once they come? Do you know how to read and respond to them? 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about college acceptance letters. We’ll cover the different types of acceptance letters, to timelines and decoding their contents. We’ll also discuss what you need to do after you get an acceptance letter, and what happens if you don’t get accepted and how to appeal if you feel that your application was wrongly rejected. 

So sit tight and read on as we guide you through the entire college acceptance process.

What is a College Acceptance Letter?

It is an official notification from a college or university, that tells a prospective student who has submitted an application, that the school has evaluated their application and is offering them admission to their school. Acceptance letters are delivered at different times throughout the year, based on how you applied. 

How Colleges Deliver their Acceptance Letters

Colleges commonly use email notifications or online application portals to communicate student admission. Make sure you are checking your email regularly.  If a school sends an email explaining how to access and register for their online portal, make sure you do it.  This is most likely where they will send an admission decision. If you don’t create an account, you could miss out on important information.

The Timeline of College Acceptance Letters

Colleges send out acceptance letters based on the kind of application you submitted. Make note of how and when you apply to each school on your list. Check timelines for each school on their website for the most accurate and up to date information on when you can expect to hear news. 

If you apply Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) you submit your applications sometime between October and November of your senior year.  Most decision letters are sent out sometime between the beginning of December and mid-January.

Regular Decision (RD) applications are usually due between early January to mid-February. Admission decisions are released March to early April of your senior year. Rolling Admission (RA) means there is no official application deadline.  The school will accept and review applications as they come in until all spots are filled for the upcoming class. Most rolling admissions open September 1.

Factors impacting the arrival of college acceptance letters vary widely among institutions. Each school follows its own timeline. Highly competitive schools often send out acceptance letters in early April. Understanding these factors can help manage expectations during the college decision process.

Decoding a College Acceptance Letter

Understanding the content of a college acceptance letter involves more than just being informed about your admission status. These letters provide information on enrollment procedures, specific school admittance details, and can include merit scholarships and more information about when to expect financial aid packages. They are much more than just a simple offer of admission. Pay attention to the details in your letter. 

Once you’ve celebrated the acceptance, go back and review your letter for important, additional information. Do you need to put a deposit down to secure housing? Do you need to reach out to the admissions office for any specific reasons? How do you officially accept or decline your spot at the university for next year?

If you have any questions that aren’t specifically addressed in your acceptance letter, reach out to the admissions office or your admissions representative. This may help you make an informed decision about where you attend college, especially if you have more than one option.

Information about Scholarships and Funding

College acceptance may sometimes include automatic merit scholarships that you have been awarded. Scholarships are part of your financial aid package, but not the whole thing.  Most colleges and universities won’t send out an official financial aid letter until sometime in the spring.  You’ll know it’s your financial aid letter, because it will come from the school’s financial aid office. 

If you don’t hear anything in your admission letter about scholarships that doesn’t mean you didn’t receive one.  Schools announce scholarship recipients in many different ways.  Reach out to your admissions representative for more information and clarification.  

What do you need to do next?  The letter often includes information about the student portal, office of admissions, and other important resources. Follow the directions outlined in your letter. Take these steps seriously and if you are given deadlines for doing certain tasks, make sure you meet them.  Just because a school offered you a spot in next year’s class, doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed if you don’t meet deadlines and required follow up steps. 

Sample Acceptance Letters from Major Universities

Acceptance letters symbolize accomplishment and relief for students. Along with outlining next steps for enrollment, these letters also provide crucial financial aid, scholarships, and tuition information. Major universities often extend admission to their honors or scholars program through acceptance letters, adding a personalized touch. 

A Sample Acceptance Letter from Stanford

Stanford University’s acceptance letter exudes excitement and offers warm congratulations to the admitted student. The letter commonly includes information about opportunities to visit the campus, directs students to a designated online portal for further actions, and provides details about orientation, housing, and financial aid. Additionally, it often encourages admitted students to join social media groups to start connecting with the future student body.

A Sample Acceptance Letter from Northwestern University

Northwestern University’s acceptance letter showcases the student’s accomplishments, highlighting their potential fit within the student body. The letter often emphasizes the university’s community and resources, providing specific details about upcoming events for accepted students.

Additionally, it may include a personal note from the admissions committee, offering a glimpse into the supportive environment awaiting the admitted students. Furthermore, the letter may guide students on contacting current students or alumni, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.

What if you don’t get the letter you’d hoped for? Some students might receive deferral letters, waitlist notifications, or rejection letters instead of an acceptance. 

Outcomes Besides Acceptance

Deferrals can only happen if you apply Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA.) It means that the college would like more information and time in order to review your application so they “defer” making a decision until later. Your application then gets put in with the Regular Decision (RD) applicant pool.

You will not have to submit another application, but you may be able to update standardized test scores (if you get a higher score), send transcripts with higher grades, and continue to express interest in the school by reaching out to your admissions representative.

If you apply Regular Decision (RD) and are waitlisted, it means at this point in time the school can not extend an offer of admission to you because there aren’t any more spots, but if a spot becomes available because someone declines their admission, you are on the list. Remember, the college decision deadline is typically May 1st so the odds of being admitted before this date are low. It’s possible to be accepted from the waitlist as late as August, so staying informed and proactive is key.

What Happens if You Don’t Get Accepted?

If you receive a college rejection letter, don’t lose hope. Many rejection letters offer guidance on other college application options. Consider transferring from another college after the first year, or explore gap year opportunities to gain experience or travel. 

A rejection letter doesn’t mean you aren’t smart enough, or you wouldn’t be successful at the school. It means that your application did not fit into the school’s institutional priorities (whatever those may be) for next year’s class. Each college class is “shaped,” by the students that are in it.  Some schools may need to replace an oboe player in their band. Maybe the school wants to increase the number of students from a particular state, demographic, or in certain majors.

In other words, don’t take it personally (I know, easier said than done). Instead choose to focus on the schools where you were admitted. 

Responding to a College Acceptance Letter

Formally accepting an admission offer involves specific steps and deadlines. The acceptance letter often includes a deadline for responding. It is your responsibility to pay close attention to deadlines! Other students could be waiting for an acceptance letter.  If you don’t follow the rules and meet the deadlines, you may lose your spot. 

Formally Accepting A College Admission Offer

Securing a place in the incoming student class involves accepting your spot usually through an online college portal. Additionally, some colleges mandate a formal letter of acceptance as well. It’s crucial for students to meticulously review the terms of their admission offer to understand the requirements. Furthermore, admitted students may be required to submit enrollment deposits or tuition payments, signifying their commitment to joining the student body.

What if You Decide to Decline the Offer?

If you decide to decline a college admission offer, it’s important to notify the college. By politely declining and expressing gratitude, you allow the college to offer admission to another student. Remember to focus on finding a college that aligns with your personal and academic goals.

Can You Appeal if Your Application is Rejected?

Appealing a rejection decision is possible at some colleges. However, it typically requires compelling new information or evidence of error. Students should carefully review the college’s policy on admission appeals and be prepared to submit additional documentation. Successful appeals may result in an offer of admission or reconsideration.

A college acceptance letter is an exciting milestone in your academic journey. It signifies the recognition of your hard work and achievements. However, it is important to remember that the college acceptance process goes beyond just receiving the letter. Take the time to carefully read and understand the details mentioned in the acceptance letter, including any information about scholarships or funding opportunities. 

Be proactive about next steps and deadlines provided in the letter to ensure a smooth transition into college life. In some cases, you may find yourself on a waitlist or facing rejection. It’s important to stay positive and explore your options, whether it’s accepting a spot on the waitlist or considering alternative colleges. Finally, don’t forget to formally accept or reject the admission offer in a timely manner. 

Congratulations! You’ve got a plan for next year once you graduate, or you are close to securing it. Finish you senior year strong and continue to set yourself up for success.  You’ve worked hard and earned your seat for next year. You are one step closer to starting the next chapter of your life!

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The Ultimate College Application Timeline

Kathryn Scherer

July 12, 2018

Welcome to the summer before your senior year! At this point, you’re probably excited about your summer plans and a little apprehensive about the college application process. The good news is that having a college application timeline will help you stay on track and relieve a lot of stress (and the panic when you realize you’ve forgotten a major component at the last minute).

Start now and you’ll thank me later! This college application timeline will help you break down the components into manageable chunks so that you’ll feel calm and collected by the time deadlines come around.

1. One of the first things you can get started on early in your college application timeline is the Activities List. Get the ball rolling by making a Master Resumé of all of the activities, interests, and awards from your high school career. Think outside the box here—don’t just write down the extracurriculars you’ve done for school, but also any independent projects you’ve completed or interests you developed.

Have you read of all of Jane Austen’s novels? Taught yourself Python? Become a master crossword puzzler? Any of these hobbies could contribute to your Activities List to show what makes you an interesting human. Once you have the Master Resumé, you can decide which are the top 10 that you’ll include in the Common Application and narrow your descriptions to the 150-character limit.

2. Take advantage of leisurely summer days to start brainstorming your Personal Statement topics. If you’re having writer’s block, you’re not alone. Start by asking yourself these 36 questions to generate thoughtful topics. Once the ideas are flowing, write a few sample paragraphs on several different topics so that you have more to choose from in order to craft a complete and varied application. Make sure to look at the Personal Statement prompts on the Common App so that you write about the best topic for you.

3. You’ve probably started to generally think about schools that interest you, but in July you should start actively building your college list. While this may (and probably should) change from the beginning of your process to the end, you’ll want to balance your list with a couple “reach” schools, several “fit” schools, and some “safety” schools as well. The summer is a great time to dig deep into college websites for information about the specific programs you’re interested in (Pro tip: keep a list of professors or programs that interest you. You might be able to use these in the school-specific supplemental essays).

4. College application timeline - key deadline: If you need to retake the SAT, registration for the August testing date is at the end of July (this year, it’s July 27). While there are still SAT dates in October and November that you can use, getting your last sitting out of the way in August will prevent stress when you’re working on other parts of the application (plus school, plus extracurriculars, plus….you get the idea). If you prefer the ACT, the registration deadline for the September ACT test date is August 10.

1. August is the perfect time to create your Common Application account . Fill in all of the biographical information and begin to add schools to your profile. You’ll be able to see all of the supplemental essays for your colleges to know how many additional essays you’ll need to write.

2. Use August to make solid drafts of your Activities List and Personal Statement. These can definitely evolve as the year progresses, but it will make a huge difference to your sanity if you’ve made significant headway before school is in session!

3. Think strategically about which teachers you’ll ask to write your letters of recommendation. You’ll want to ask teachers who know you personally and who will be able to describe specific things that you contributed to their classrooms. Colleges really want to understand how you engage in the classroom, and your letters of recommendation are the best way they can find that out.

1. Now that the “back to school” glow has faded, make sure to ask your teachers politely for letters of recommendation - early in the college application timeline . Approach them with a detailed cover letter asking them to highlight specific elements of your personality or classroom work that you think will help your application stand out. This may seem like overkill, but trust me here. Teachers will love having you suggest some things for them to write about because it will save them a boatload of time!

2. September is a great time to talk with your school about getting an unofficial transcript so that you have a better idea of exactly how you stand academically. Getting to know your college counselor is an added benefit; this very important adult will be writing a letter of recommendation for you.

3. You’ll also want to narrow down your School List and select which schools (if any) you’ll want to apply for Early Decision/Early Action. The Early application deadlines are approaching and if you decide where you want to apply, you can use September to work on supplemental essays. These supplemental essays demonstrate your “fit” with a college and how much you care about that particular school, so take time to tailor these to each college on your list. Many schools ask for a “Why X school” essay, so make sure that you include specific details about programs and professors that interest you. (Remember when you took notes of these as you researched your college list?)

1. Send your SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Test, and AP score reports to all of your schools, but especially to your Early Decision/Action school(s). Take note that different schools have varying standardized testing requirements. Spend some time figuring out exactly which scores should be sent where and how each school on your list will analyze your test sittings. You should be able to leave out your lower scores at some schools if you pay attention to the requirements.

2. Put the final touches on your Personal Statement, Activities List, and any supplemental essays for your Early Decision/Action school(s). You’ll want all of these elements to showcase the amazing facets of YOU!

3. Submit all the components of your application for your Early Decision/Action school(s). Take a deep breath. You’ve made it way more than half of the way there!

1. Even if you applied Early, you’ll want to keep up the good work so that you’re prepared to submit an application for Regular Decision if you don’t get into your Early school. Make a final version of your school list and keep chipping away at your supplemental essays so that you’re prepared for all outcomes!

1. You’re almost there – this is the home stretch of the college application timeline . This is the time to polish all of your essays before you polish off a bunch of holiday treats. Think about asking friends and family to edit your essays because they’ll likely catch typos you may have missed. Some other great strategies include reading your essay out loud to check for flow and reading it backwards sentence by sentence to check for grammar or spelling flaws.

2. The lucky ones will get an acceptance letter from an Early Decision/Action school, and I hope you’re in that category! If not, you’re still in good shape because you’ve prepared all of your materials in advance. All you have to do as the ball drops on New Year’s Eve is press the submit button. If you do get deferred, the world is not ending! There are several actions you can take - like submitting a Letter of Continued Interest or sending an additional letter of recommendation.

1. Wait, you thought you were done when you pressed submit? Sorry. You might still have alumni interviews to prepare for and schedule. Take these as opportunities not only to give schools an idea of your character but to ask questions about the personality of the school. Alumni love to get asked about their college experiences! Make sure you write a thank you note to your interviewer afterward.

A symphony of crickets

(until the end of the month, when schools begin sending acceptance letters)

At this point in the  college application timeline , you should expect your acceptance letters to arrive by April 1. Of course, with any college application process, you should expect some rejections and waitlist letters, but focus on the positives of the schools that do accept you. Congratulations! You made it through and now you get to decide which school to attend. As you’re making this decision, be sure you’re making your choice based on which school is the best fit for you , not only on rankings or prestige. You might want to take time to visit (or re-visit) the schools which have accepted you to assess how you fit into their campus and how their programs will help you achieve your long-term goals.

This is it! For most schools, you need to make a final decision by May 1st. You finally made it through! Celebrations are in order.

I hope that this college application timeline is helpful to you. Now, go out there and start brainstorming!

Tags : college application tips , college application , college application deadlines , college application process , college application Timeline , college applications , How to Start the College Application Process , Timeline

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• October 10, 2023

Navigating the College Application Timeline – A Comprehensive Guide

College journey is exciting and transformative. I resumed my college years timid and unexpectant; nonetheless, I graduated with lifelong knowledge and relationships. 

Therefore, if you’re feeling unprepared and nervous, trust me; I’ve been there and done that. 

I have provided a comprehensive overview of college life, highlighting what to do (and what not to do) to ensure you don’t sink this monumental voyage.

Navigating the college application timeline is critical, and a thorough understanding of it can help you stay organized and increase your chances of successful admission. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through each stage of the college application process, from early preparation to decision day. Additionally, you’ll discover a handy year-round tailored timeline outlining the key milestones and actions to take at each stage of your application.

Freshman Year: Starting Early

In your freshman year of high school, build relationships with teachers and counselors, take AP classes, create an effective schedule, understand your preferred study methods, engage in clubs and sports, explore various interests, choose your courses wisely, and start early with extracurricular activities while focusing on continuous progress and improvement.

In details:

Enroll in College-Preparatory Classes

Most high schoolers enter college naively and are overwhelmed by their subjects and advanced materials. 

Prepare yourself beforehand by taking AP, IB, and other academically demanding courses (including Honors, dual enrollment, and CLEP) during your high school years to make sure you transition easily. 

Focus on the fundamental fields of study, such as Mathematics, Science, English, and History. These classes make college easier and boost your chances of acceptance.

Sophomore and Junior Years: Preparing for the Journey Ahead

You can prepare for college in your sophomore and junior years by taking courses, attending career fairs, seeking mentorship, researching colleges, and getting ready for standardized tests including the PSAT/NMSQT. Furthermore, explore scholarship opportunities, visit campuses, and consider top programs in your desired major.

Fall (September–November)

The college application process follows a well-defined schedule, with specific deadlines for submitting materials. 

Take Standardized Tests

As a junior student, practice standardized tests, such as the PSAT, to prepare for critical exams (including the SAT) that will be required for your applications. Use PSAT practice test to prepare for your SAT exams

You can assess other practice exams including those provided by Khan Academy , and even ask your guidance counselor for beneficial resources . 

Winter (December-February)

Your freshman year winter will center around SATs.

Ensure to revise extensively, and give your best. Some students deliberately avoid studying because they plan to retake the tests another season. You will save a lot of time and money (SAT registrations cost approximately $60 in the U.S.) if you get it right the first time. 

Sit for Your SATs/ACTs

The time has come! Take your SAT/ACT tests for the first time during the winter. Don’t worry if you get disappointing results; it happens to everyone in their initial attempt. 

Identify your mistakes and improve on them. Subsequently, you’ll notice a much better outcome by the time you sit for the test again in spring or fall. 

Take the SAT Subject Tests

Some colleges may require grades from SAT subject tests . Ensure to take the examination immediately after classes while you still have most of the subject material retained, and the results will surpass your expectations.

College applicants should begin preparing their early decision/early action or rolling admission applications as soon as possible. Colleges may require test scores and applications to be submitted between November 1 November 15 for early decision admission.

Applicants should request letters of recommendation from counselors or teachers if needed.

Spring (March-May)

In spring, the final phase of exam season commences before the summer break. Again, make every effort to achieve desirable outcomes. 

Take the AP Exams

In May of each year , the AP exams commence, which provides an incredible opportunity to earn additional credit toward admission to your target colleges. 

Summer (June–August) 

Summer has come! However, don’t use up your free time just relaxing; this is the perfect opportunity to prepare for college. 

Use this time to draft applications, set financial aid plans, research, and prepare for interviews . To draft applications for both admission and financial aid, consult your student guidance counselor for help. 

Draft Your College Application Essay

It’s best to draft your application essay as soon as you can to allow for additional time on studies and exams in your senior year. 

Start the initial draft in the summer of your junior year, and subsequently revise and improve it throughout your senior year. Trust me, you’ll thank me for this!

Prepare for Interviews

Research your desired colleges and check for those that offer optional interviews. Perform an exhaustive analysis of their requirements. Thereafter, conduct a simulated interview with a teacher, friend, or family member, and ensure to document their feedback. 

Prepare Your Recommendation Letters

During the summer break, assess which teachers are willing to put in a good recommendation letter for you. Preferably, they should be from your essential subjects, such as Science, Mathematics, and English. 

Next, give your teachers a summarized list of reasons why you chose them as your recommenders and your perception of your performance in their courses. 

Sort out a Financial Aid Plan

Sit with your family to discuss your financial aid plan for college. Tuition payments can be challenging, and although numerous reasons exist for students dropping out, having a well-thought-out financial strategy can help mitigate financial constraints. 

Therefore, utilize resources such as net price calculators on the websites of prospective colleges and outline all the deadlines you have to meet. 

When applying for financial aid, submit your:

• FAFSA or CSS Profile
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Tax Returns
• Bank Statements
• Investment Statements
• Other Income Information (if required)
• Records of Untaxed Income
• Records of Business and Farm Assets
• Dependency Documentation
• Selective Service Registration
• Additional Documentation

Apply for Scholarships

Start your scholarship applications early and continue throughout the school year. 

Many seniors apply for a wide range of scholarships (over 30 in some cases) to maximize their opportunities.

To ensure you have a better chance of getting a scholarship than your peers, consider local options and colleges that require admission essays since most students steer clear of those out of fear. 

Documents needed for scholarships vary according to the college and scholarship provider. However, these documents are commonly required:

• Scholarship Application Form
• Academic Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Personal Statement or Essay
• Proof of Eligibility
• Financial Information
• Standardized Test Scores
• Acceptance Letter or Enrollment Verification
• Other Supporting Documents (including Proof of residency and citizenship status)

Senior Year to Graduation: A Race Against Time

Senior year of high school can be a whirlwind of homework, deadlines, college research, and applications. Stay focused; nevertheless, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Keep organized, talk to your college counselor, and address financial considerations with your parents. It’s a year of transition, both for students and parents, as you prepare for the next phase of your educational journey.

For many, the senior year can be the busiest when it comes to college applications.

Therefore, it is essential to have drafts of all the requirements needed to submit applications to your target colleges readily available. Retake any tests that you might be dissatisfied with, apply for financial aid, and gather necessary profiles and portfolios . You have no more time to waste!

Submit Early Decision and Action Applications

Consider sending in an early decision application if you’re certain about a specific college. These are typically due in November and you commit to attending the designated college if accepted. 

You’ll get an early decision with early action schools; however, you can wait until the regular decision deposit deadline to make your final decision.

Typically, you need the following documents and information to complete the application process:

• Application Form
• Essays or Personal Statements
• Application Fee or Fee Waiver
• Additional Materials
• Early Decision Agreement
• Financial Aid Forms

Submit Your CSS Profile

You might need to submit the CSS profile in fall if you’re applying early to certain schools, even though you can not fill out the FAFSA(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) until after October 1. Keep this in mind for early applications.

Submit SAT/ACT Score Reports

Send your official SAT and/or ACT score reports together with your application forms, letters of recommendation, essays, and other required documents to the early application schools of your interest

. You can do this through the College Board and ACT Student websites for SAT and ACT, respectively.

Do Early Admission Interviews

Stay confident and relaxed for your early admissions interviews. Some early action/decision schools conduct interviews in the fall. 

Remember, you’ve already prepared by doing your research, thus, these interviews are more about having a friendly conversation rather than stressing you.

Winter (December–February)

Exam season has commenced. Now is the time to retake any tests you might have performed poorly and polish your grades. 

It is a good idea to take SAT subject tests right after you’ve finished the related class during the fall if required by prospective colleges. This way, the material is still fresh in your memory, and you’ll be well-prepared.

Responses from Your Early Applications

Expect feedback by December regarding your admission if you have applied early to your target colleges. 

Similarly, you should receive an estimated financial aid package around the same time if your financial aid forms were submitted early.

Submit Enrollment Deposit (Early Decision)

You might have to submit an enrollment deposit in the winter of your senior year if you filed for early decision and the financial aid offer from the school seems favorable. 

Contact the school and inquire about the potential of a fee waiver if the expense of the deposit worries you.

Submit Applications for Regular Decision Schools

For regular decision applications, most institutions have deadlines between January 1 and March 1 of each year.

Early decision deadlines mean applying to a college earlier and getting an admission decision around December. Unlike regular application, you’re bound to attend if admitted.

Some colleges offer a second early decision deadline in December/January. Compared to early action, both have earlier deadlines and decisions, but early decision is binding, while early action is not.

Here are the common college application materials needed for high school students:

• Additional Materials Supplementary Documents (including Art portfolio and writing samples)

Send Your SAT/ACT Score Reports

Forward your official SAT and ACT score report along with your application forms, letters of recommendation, essays, and other required materials to the regular decision schools you’re applying to. These schools will also need your official test scores. You can send them using the College Board (for SAT) and ACT Student (for ACT) websites.

Do Your Regular Decision Interviews

Approach your regular decision interviews with confidence. Some regular decision schools conduct interviews in the winter. Remember, you’ve already prepared by sitting for other interviews and conducting research hence, approach them with a sense of ease and not apprehension.

Submit Your FAFSA

Complete and send in your FAFSA. It’s crucial for federal financial aid, and you can start submitting it after October 1 during your senior year. 

Many schools prioritize early financial aid applications; therefore, it’s beneficial to submit yours as soon as possible.

Complete and submit the CSS profile or any other school-specific financial aid forms in addition to the FAFSA. These forms help determine your eligibility for financial aid at certain institutions. 

Again, submitting these forms makes you more eligible for aid as some schools allocate aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

In spring, gather all the documents you’ll need for application, registration, financial aid, and scholarships . 

To avoid last-minute stress and potential hurdles, it’s advisable to process all required paperwork well in advance of college entry. 

Revise FAFSA and CSS Profiles

Update your FAFSA and CSS profile applications with the latest information from your tax returns if you initially estimated your financial details. 

Keeping these forms up-to-date with accurate information is essential for determining your financial aid eligibility.

Send in Tax Transcripts

Provide your tax transcripts for verification if requested. Ensure the accuracy of your financial information. 

To do this, you need to send copies of your tax transcripts or those of your parents to the college that has asked for them.

Response from Regular Decision Applications

For regular decision applications, expect to receive your admission decision, which can be an acceptance, rejection, or waitlist , typically in March or April.

Compare Financial Aid Packages

After you’ve been accepted, colleges will provide you with a financial aid package. This package includes loans, work and study options, and grants. 

Compare these financial aid packages with those of other target colleges to determine which one best suits your financial needs.

Apply for Financial Aid Appeal

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the college’s financial aid office to discuss a financial aid appeal in case your family’s financial situation has changed or if a college’s financial aid package doesn’t meet your needs. 

It’s crucial to do this as soon as possible to ensure adjustments to your financial aid package based on your updated circumstances.

You need these documents:

• Financial Aid Appeal Letter
• Supporting Documents (including recent tax returns, documents of unusual expenses, job loss or income reduction documents, changes in family finances, medical records, and death certificates)
• Appeal Form
• Contact Information
• Deadline Information
• Professional Judgment
• Additional Letters of Support

Submit an Enrollment Deposit (Regular Decision)

To secure your spot at a college after receiving a regular decision acceptance, submit your enrollment deposit . The deadline for submission is typically on or before May 1. 

Contact the school and inquire about the possibility of obtaining a fee waiver if you’re concerned about the cost of the deposit.

Sit for AP Exams

Prepare for and take your AP Exams. These exams, offered every May, offer you a chance to earn college credit and showcase your knowledge in advanced subjects.

Summer (June–August)

You’ve made it through high school! Congrats! 

This is your last summer before college starts; therefore, ensure you are well-prepared for the years ahead by familiarizing yourself with every aspect of your chosen college . 

Complete Enrollment

After you’ve finalized the decision on which target college to pursue, stay organized by keeping up with any enrollment paperwork and requirements. 

The college will send you updates regarding scheduling, housing, orientation, and other important details. To guarantee a seamless and trouble-free transition into your college life, ensure to complete all required documentation before deadlines.

Following the aforementioned steps can help prepare you for college years. Good luck!

Full Route Map Throughout the Years

Throughout Your Highschool Years:

• Find and Participate in Extracurricular Activities : Being engaged in extracurricular activities during your freshman year is an excellent method to identify your strengths. As time passes, you can invest more time into the activities you’re good at to develop your skills. 
• Keep Your Grades Up : Does this even need to be said? Your grades are a significant component of your academic profile. They will determine your future studies as a whole. Therefore, prioritize your grades if you want to ensure your college application is worth consideration.
• Take Part in Volunteering and Part-Time Jobs : Take up a new job every summer to explore different career fields. Whether it be dog-walking, cashiering, or even mowing the lawn for my neighbors, each job has the potential to change your perspective about life while also giving you the opportunity to save up for college! In addition, volunteer for community services to polish up your application. 
• Seek Help from All Sources : You’ll be surprised to know how many people around you can give you highly beneficial advice. Sit down with your parents, family members, friends, teachers, or guidance counselor and talk to them about your plans for college and career goals. Take heed of their advice and learn from their own experiences with college.
• Save Up Each and Every Penny : By the time 11th grade rolls in; you’re going to be scampering around to get your fees together. Thus, be responsible with your spending and save up as early as possible. Discussing financial plans with someone knowledgeable, such as parents, guardians, or financial advisors, can be beneficial. For instance, my parents set up a savings account for me so that I could put my earnings into it for tuition. 
• Plan It All Out : Carefully mark the important dates of your college application process on your calendar and highlight the necessary steps to take beforehand. Identify your preferred colleges, their requirements and tuition, and the best time to apply. 

From Your Freshman Year to Junior Year:

• Prepare for the SATs : Starting your SAT preparation in junior year can give you a head start, as many students tend to begin later. Therefore, get ahead by taking full length practice exams of your SATs and/or ACTs and track your results to highlight your weaknesses and strengths. 
• Research Colleges : To learn more about your options, browse the web, speak with college representatives, attend college fairs, and interact with friends and relatives who have graduated or are now enrolled in college. Aside from asking around, visit the college campuses during study break in the fall to understand the environment. It’s essential to consider both the academic and community aspects of a college before making a final decision.
• Make Adjustments to Your Target Colleges : Remember that list of colleges you made at the very beginning of junior year? After you’ve sat for a few tests, it’s good to go back to these targets and make adjustments. Assess your grades and categorize each of your options from “Most Probable” to “Safety Schools” . Furthermore, search for traditional scholarships that are offered to senior year students. 
• Take Your SATs/ACTs : You can take the SATs/ACTs again during spring if you are not satisfied with the initial results. 
• Re-Take the SAT Subject Tests : Again, you’ll have another chance to improve your results by taking the SAT subject tests of relevant classes during spring. Sit for them when you’re confident that you have improved. 
• Visit Target College Campuses : Use your spare time during summer to tour your target colleges. Visit the centers, dormitories, and classes, and feel free to ask teachers and staff questions. Some colleges even offer tour times and Q&A sessions for interested students; you can check out their official websites for more information. 
• Plan out Application Deadline for Target Colleges : Early decision and action applications are usually due in November of senior year. For regular admissions, you’ll typically need to submit your applications between the beginning of January and March. Make use of the Common App , which is accessible in early August and helps to keep track of these deadlines.

From Your Senior Year to Graduation: 

• Take the SAT/ACT : This is the perfect time to take your first or second SAT/ACT tests. Consider retaking the tests if you feel you’ve made significant improvements. Be mindful of costs and potential fee waivers. In case you’re worried about a potential loss, you can request your guidance counselor for a fee waiver. 
• Review Your Application Essays : Sit down with a competent teacher and have them review your essays. Take note of the areas where you need to improve and make corrections based on the feedback. Prepare a final draft before application deadlines. 
• Prepare Recommendation Letters : Give your recommenders the list of reasons why you believe you’ve excelled in their classes and the necessary documents needed for your recommendation letter if you haven’t done it earlier. 
• Gather Your Documents : Ensure you have other materials, such as test score history, essays, and forms, that are needed for application. Have your guidance counselor check your documents to confirm if they are complete.
• Take Loans (If Needed) : You can consider loans as a way to bridge the financial gap if scholarships, work and study options, or grants don’t fully cover the costs. Subsidized federal loans, such as Stafford loans (now commonly referred to as Direct Loans) and Perkins loans, often offer favorable terms and are worth considering. However,  to minimize future debt burdens, borrow only what you need.
• Explore Work and Study Options (If Needed) : Take advantage of work-study opportunities offered by your college if you think other options might not bridge any possible financial gaps. Express your interest in work-study by mentioning it on your FAFSA and contacting your college’s financial aid office. Work-study programs can shoulder your school expenditures while also giving you useful job experience.
• Start Looking for Jobs : Speak with your school’s financial aid office if you’re interested in a work-study program to discover more about your options. It’s a good idea to start your job hunt either in the early fall of your freshman year or throughout the summer before you resume college. You’ll have plenty of time to select a work-study position that complements your schedule and finances

Final Thoughts on College Application Deadlines

This guide will help you feel more confident as you navigate the college application process through appropriate use of the details therein.

Furthermore, prioritize applications to colleges that align with your academic and personal goals, rather than focusing solely on acceptance. 

As you begin your time in college, remember to stay prepared, be loyal to yourself, and enjoy the experience. Buckle up!

Emily Watson

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At Back2College, we’re firm believers that the pursuit of knowledge is an ageless odyssey. 

College Acceptance Letter: What to Expect When You’re Accepted

College Acceptance Letters- A CollegeAdvisor Guide

Every year, when college acceptance letters are sent out, thousands of students hope to receive a college acceptance letter. The letter confirms that they’ve been accepted to their dream school .  We know you’ll have a lot of questions about college acceptance letters. Our team at CollegeAdvisor is here to answer those college acceptance letter questions. We want to help you with that final step of university entry.   

In this “Guide to College Acceptance Letters” we’ll talk through the following things:

• What to expect when you get into college
• What you’ll find in a typical college acceptance letter
• USC acceptance letter
• Stanford acceptance letter
• Northwestern acceptance letter
• UVA acceptance letter
• How the letter of acceptance will vary from school to school
• Interpreting college rejection letters
• Appealing college rejection letters

We’re committed to helping you get into college – from initial research to your acceptance the college of your dreams. That includes preparing you for what happens even after you submit your college applications. 

Let’s start with a few basic FAQs about college acceptance letters:

1. what is a college acceptance letter.

A college acceptance letter is the letter of acceptance a college or university sends out. It tells you you’ve been accepted and officially offers you a place in their upcoming class of students.

2. How do colleges share their acceptance letters?

Most schools notify students electronically and with hard copies, so you can expect both mailed and emailed college acceptance letters. Some students will instead get an email notification to view their college acceptance letters through a school’s online portal.

3. When will I receive a college acceptance letter ?

For Early Action and Early Decision admissions cycles , your college acceptance letter might come early. You will often receive a decision – a college acceptance letter, college rejection letter, or deferral – in December. For the Regular Decision cycle, you will usually receive your college acceptance letter in late-March or early-April.

College Acceptance Letters and you

Now, you have an idea of what a college acceptance letter means. You also know how and when you expect to receive it. Let’s dig deeper into some more detailed information about college acceptance letters. Next, we’ll look at what to expect when reading a college acceptance letter. We’ll also talk about how to respond to college acceptance letters and college rejection letters.

College acceptance letters may seem simple. However, they are packed with information that may influence your college decision. So, an actual example of a college acceptance letter can help you imagine what your letter of acceptance might say. To give you an idea of what your college acceptance letters might sound like, we’ll share sample college acceptance letters. These will include a USC acceptance letter, a Stanford acceptance letter, a Northwestern acceptance letter, and a UVA acceptance letter. Then, we’ll share some important steps you should take after receiving your acceptance letters.

What is a Letter of Acceptance?

As we mentioned, a letter of acceptance is the letter that tells you you’ve got into college. Whether you choose to apply Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision, a letter of acceptance is how schools tell you about your admittance Let’s take a closer look at what these college acceptance letters include.

The primary purpose of a letter of acceptance is to tell applicants they have a place in the incoming class. Therefore, every acceptance letter begins with some form of congratulations. Then, it will give a clearly worded statement that says the school has accepted you into their upcoming class.

Look for info about scholarships & funding

In addition to telling you about your university entry, some college acceptance letters will also include details about funding. These could include financial aid awards, the status of your financial aid application, certain scholarships you may qualify for, and more. 

Alternatively, the letter may simply direct you where you can find this information. This might be in your online application, a student portal or their website. While this information can be helpful, not every college acceptance letter will have these details. So, you may need to follow up with your school’s financial aid office to learn more.

Look for next steps

Receiving your college acceptance letter is only the first step of your college enrollment process. Typically, your letter of acceptance will provide next steps. This includes a deadline for when you need to tell the college if you will attend. Many colleges ask for some kind of tuition deposit. Some will also want a signed form that states whether you accept or reject your place. This helps the school update its official record, so they can see how many spots are available for students on the waitlist. 

Now, we know a little bit more about what’s in a college acceptance letter. Next, let’s take a look at some real-life sample college acceptance letters. Sample college acceptance letters can let you imagine what to expect as you wait for your own college acceptance letters. 

Each college acceptance letter example will be slightly different. For this reason, we’ve included a range of college acceptance letters. That way, you can see the different ways your college acceptance letter might look.

Sample College Acceptance Letters- Exploring 4 Real College Acceptance Letters!

In this college acceptance letter guide, we’ll present a college acceptance letter sample from USC, a college acceptance letter sample from Stanford, a college acceptance letter sample from Northwestern, and a college acceptance letter sample from UVA. Each of these college acceptance letters helps us analyze the different forms a sample of college acceptance letter may come in. Additionally, these examples help us highlight your next steps once you get into college and have your letter of acceptance.

USC Acceptance Letter

Our first college acceptance letter is from the University of Southern California . This sample of a college acceptance letter begins with an excited Congratulations! before clearly stating their offer of admission. This reads, I am pleased to offer you admission to the University of Southern California as part of the entering class of fall 2022.  

This USC acceptance letter then continues their congratulations. It highlights the hard work the student put in to get into college – this offer is being extended to you as a result of your outstanding achievements.

This USC acceptance letter then describes the amazing resources you can expect during your time at USC. This includes their faculty of world renowned researchers who look forward to working with remarkable young people who will bring intellect, curiosity, and persistence to the university community.  

The letter goes on to describe how USC is one of the most dynamic universities in the world , a place where you will work with scholars of all disciplines, from the sciences to the visual and performing arts, from the humanities to the social sciences and various professional disciplines ; where you will learn from others, we will learn from you, and you will grow to become a leader for the future.

This USC acceptance letter ends with an exciting Welcome to the Trojan Family!  

Some college acceptance letters will tell you what to do next in the enrollment process. However, this one doesn’t offer much advice. Rather than outlining next steps, this college acceptance letter sample shows how an acceptance letter can be a warm invitation to join a student body. This type of acceptance letter is less informative than it is aspirational. It invites you to dream about what’s possible should you accept your offer. It’s also designed to persuade you to choose USC instead of another university.

This example of a college acceptance letter boils down to one action item: to look up next steps to enroll. We should also mention that this college acceptance letter is an e-letter that you will view through your application portal. Often, schools send both a digital letter and a hard copy in the mail. However, some schools choose to do one or the other.

Let’s take a look at another letter form more insight into what your future college acceptance letters may hold!

Stanford Acceptance Letter

Our next college acceptance letter is from Stanford . Stanford University if one of the most competitive schools in the US. It had an acceptance rate of just 3.95% for the Class of 2025 . If you’re lucky enough to receive a Stanford acceptance letter, here’s what to expect.

Just like the sample of college acceptance letter above (the USC acceptance letter), this Stanford acceptance letter begins with a Congratulations! You have been admitted to the Stanford Class of 2025! This college acceptance letter example then compliments the applicant, stating they are a fantastic match with Stanford before providing some helpful next steps.

The letter of acceptance briefly states that the student will join a diverse, joyful, and welcoming campus community with a shared determination to make our world better. Then, this Stanford acceptance letter directs students to visit their admitted students website , where they can learn more about the school and what it has to offer. It also points towards Cardinal Quad, their online platform for connecting students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

This sample of college acceptance letter also gives a link to the Stanford Portal, where students can find information about Financial Aid and complete an Admission Response Form before their deadline of May 3 rd . 

Conditional statement

Also note that this Stanford acceptance letter contains a brief conditional statement: To keep you r place in the class, we expect you to maintain the quality of your character and return a strong performance in the program of study reported in your application. Additionally, Stanford says that students were admitted, in part, due to this program of study and asks them to report any changes to their academic schedule.

This example of a college acceptance letter boils down to three action items:

• Complete the admission response form by the deadline
• Maintain your grades and a clean record of behavior
• Notify admissions of any changes to your courses

As you can see by comparing the Stanford acceptance letter to the USC acceptance letter, each college acceptance letter you will receive offers different information and guidance for next steps. Let’s take a look at another college acceptance letter example to see what else a college acceptance letter may say.

Northwestern Acceptance Letter

Next, we have a college acceptance letter from Northwestern University . As you will see, this Northwestern acceptance letter, unlike the Stanford acceptance letter and the USC acceptance letter, offers the student admission to a particular school and program of study. This means that when the student applied, they submitted their Northwestern application to a particular undergraduate school. As a result, the letter explains the student has been accepted to the Medill School of Journalism . Medill is one of the top ranked journalism schools in the country, so this is no small feat. Some programs are more competitive than others, so be sure to do your research when applying to your dream school.

Otherwise, the Northwestern acceptance letter begins similarly to the sample of college acceptance letter above. It says: Congratulations and welcome to the Class of 2026 at Northwestern University! The letter then describes how your considerable academic achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and impressive character stood out as truly exceptional.

Electronic acceptance letters

This sample of college acceptance letter was sent electronically. However, in the letter, admissions notes that you can expect a hard copy via mail, along with materials that outline steps toward enrolling in the Class of 2026. 

While the next steps are not officially outlined in this Northwestern acceptance letter, they do provide a link to review these steps on our admitted student website , where you will also find ways to connect with the Northwestern community, engage with the remarkable opportunities available to you here, and experience what makes this place and its people so special.

In addition to a link to the admitted student website, this acceptance letter also gives a link to submit your enrollment decision. The letter clearly states students must submit enrollment decisions by May 1 st .  

Similarly to the sample college acceptance letters above, Northwestern asks students to please note, our offer of admission is contingent upon the successful completion of your senior year and a review of your final transcript.

• Be on the lookout for hard copy materials with detailed steps
• Submit your enrollment decision by the deadline
• Maintain your grades and successfully earn your diploma

The three college acceptance letter examples above were all received by CollegeAdvisor students who submitted Regular Decision applications. However, as you might imagine, Early Decision or Early Action college acceptance letters may look a little different. Let’s take a look at our final sample college acceptance letter to learn what else to expect if you submit your application for early admission.

UVA Acceptance Letter

Our final college acceptance letter is from the University of Virginia . 

This college acceptance letter sample begins straight away with On behalf of the entire University of Virginia community, we are excited to offer you admission to the class of 2026. This UVA acceptance letter is Early Action. For this reason, the UVA acceptance letter says that while the process was intensely competitive, admissions believes UVA will be better with you here (with the follow up We hope you feel the same way).

This sample of college acceptance letter is similar to those above –  it details some of the benefits of university entry at UVA. This makes sense because, although this student applied during Early Action, this admissions decision is non-binding. So this applicant can decide whether to accept this letter of acceptance.

This UVA acceptance letter then goes into detail about how UVA will open doors for you and change your life in ways you can barely imagine . At UVA, students can expect to enter an incredibly close community where you will hear lectures that makes you see the world differently…discover new knowledge, answer enduring questions, and meet people who challenge and inspire you all at once.

Look for the important details

This UVA acceptance letter ends with a final congratulations. In addition, it contains some important next steps and a conditional statement::

Please follow the online instruction in this offer packet to pay your non-refundable tuition deposit by May 1, 2022. Our offer of admission also depends on your ability to maintain the same high standards in both your academic and personal life that earned you this letter in the first place.

This example of a college acceptance letter boils down to two action items:

• Pay your deposit by the deadline to secure your spot

Sample College Acceptance Letters- Final Thoughts

We’ve talked about some sample college acceptance letters and what they include. In particular, we looked at a USC acceptance letter, a Stanford acceptance letter, a Northwestern acceptance letter and a UVA acceptance letter. You may be more excited (or nervous) than ever to receive your own college acceptance letters and get into college! 

Now that we’ve reviewed multiple sample college acceptance letters, let’s dig into a few more FAQs. These questions concern how and when you can expect to receive your college acceptance letters.

College Acceptance Letters- More FAQs

Do Colleges Still Mail Acceptance Letters?

As we saw in the example of a college acceptance letter above, many schools do still mail college acceptance letters. Even though you submit your Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision college applications online, most colleges will still mail you an official college acceptance letter. 

Most mailed and electronic acceptance letters will be very similar, so you can expect your hard copy acceptance later to read just like the sample college acceptance letters we included above. However, as with the sample Northwestern acceptance letter above, some schools share different information in each one. So make sure you read both college acceptance letters thoroughly!

Although most colleges will send an acceptance letter in the mail, that isn’t the only way you’ll receive your college acceptance letter. In addition to mailing college acceptance letters, colleges and universities will also notify you virtually. In fact, you’ll usually first learn of your acceptance online, either via email or a school’s online portal.

How do Colleges Notify You of Acceptance?

There are three ways you’ll receive your letter of acceptance: by mail, email, or on your online portal. How schools choose to tell students about their university entry will vary. Check with your school’s office of admissions to see when and how you’ll get your letter of acceptance.

You can expect most schools to mail out hard copies of their college acceptance letters. However, due to possible delays in the mailing system, you’ll also probably get your college acceptance letter electronically.

On the day your school releases admissions decisions, it’s important you can access the email you used in your college applications. Even if schools don’t send your letter of acceptance in an email, you may receive an email that tells you to check an online portal.

Many schools use an online portal to tell students about their university entry. Even if you applied through general application portals like the Common App or Coalition App, some schools will ask that you sign up for a school-specific online portal. Then, they can send you notifications about the status of your application and, hopefully, your letter of acceptance.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Acceptance Letter From a University?

The date you get your college acceptance letter will depend on when you applied to get into college. Students who applied in earlier admissions cycles , either Early Action or Early Decision, can expect their college acceptance letters months before Regular Decision applicants. . 

Students who applied Early Decision or Early Action can generally expect to receive their letter of acceptance sometime mid to late December . Early Decision or Early Action cycles tend to be competitive – so only some students will receive a letter of acceptance. 

What happens if you are not accepted?

If you don’t get a letter of acceptance, you’ll be told that your application has been rejected or deferred. College rejection letters mean that the school’s decided not to offer you an acceptance letter and a place in their upcoming class. 

A deferral letter means that, although you don’t have a place yet, your application was strong and you’ll be considered with the Regular Decision applicants. Deferred students have to wait for the Regular Decision admissions decisions to see if they’ll receive that acceptance letter and get into college.

For advice on what to do if you’re deferred, check out this webinar . 

What is a “waitlist”?

Students who applied Regular Decision can expect to receive their letter of acceptance sometime in March or early-April . Similarly to early applicants, you may also receive a letter of rejection at this time. Unlike early Early Action and Early Decision students, Regular Decision applicants can be put on a waitlist . 

If you’re on a waitlist, your application has been fully reviewed. Although you’ve met the school’s qualifications, they are unable to offer you university entry for now. However, if another student were to decline their letter of acceptance, you could be taken off the waitlist and offered a place. Because schools don’t tell you where you are on the waitlist, it’s hard to predict the odds of getting accepted from the waitlist .

Are you a parent of a senior who’s receiving college acceptance letters, deferrals, waitlists and college rejection letters? Check out this webinar for some great tips on how best to support your child.  

Digital college acceptance letters

Since most application letters are delivered electronically, you don’t need to frantically check your mailbox for your college acceptance letter. Remember, you’ll probably get your college acceptance letters over the course of two to three weeks. Each school will have their own date, and usually even a specific time, they are planning to send out college acceptance letters. Expect to receive your notification on that day before a certain time (be sure to double check the school’s time zone!)

When Should I Expect my College Acceptance Letter?

College acceptance letters and college rejection letters are sent electronically, so you probably won’t have a delay in receiving your letter of acceptance.  For this reason, you’re likely to get your letter of acceptance the same day as all other applicants to that school. 

March or early April is the time you’ll get most college acceptance letters (unless you applied Early Action or Early Decision!) However, most schools will release college acceptance letters on a specific day within this timeframe.

For example, let’s look at the schools represented by the sample college acceptance letters discussed above. That is, the USC college acceptance letter example, the Stanford college acceptance letter example, the Northwestern college acceptance letter example, and the UVA college acceptance letter example. 

These sample college acceptance letters tell us the specific date each school sent out their college acceptance letters. Below we’ve given the dates students can expect to hear about their university entry – with a letter of acceptance, college rejection letters or a waitlist/ deferral notice. 

University of Southern California : 

• Regular Decision : End of March – March 25 th , 2022

Stanford University :

• Restrictive Early Action : Mid December – December 15 th , 2022
• Regular Decision : Early April – April 1 st , 2022

Northwestern University :

• Early Decision : Mid-December – December 17 th , 2022
• Regular Decision : End of March/Early April – March 25 th , 2022

University of Virginia :

• Early Decision : Mid-December – December 15 th , 2022
• Early Action: January 31 st – February 15 th 2022
• Regular Decision : End of March – April 1 st , 2022

The specific dates may change from year to year, so be sure to check each school’s website for the exact day you’ll hear about university entry.

If you are planning to submit applications to one or more Ivy League school, you should know when Ivy Day is coming up. Ivy Day is the date all Ivy League schools notify Regular Decision applicants of their admissions decisions. It’s normally  in late March, similarly to other school’s Regular Decision admissions notification timeline. In 2022, Ivy Day was on March 31 st .

Because the majority of students apply Regular Decision, most students will get their college acceptance letters sometime in mid- to late-March or early-April. However, if you don’t get a letter of acceptance, you can expect college rejection letters or waitlist notifications.

Patience is key

If you are put on a waitlist , you may feel unsure about next steps. There is no exact timeline for when you can expect to get off of a waitlist. Enough students need to decline their letter of admission for you to move off of the waitlist and be offered university entry. While there’s a chance you get off the waitlist within a month of receiving your admissions decisions, it could be late summertime before you hear back. 

Once you have a college acceptance letter (or college rejection letters)  from all your schools, it is time to make a decision . If you had a good ‘get into college’ game plan, you’ll have applied to the right combination of safety, match, and reach schools . So you’ll probably have  more than one letter of acceptance. 

Because not every school sends out their college acceptance letters on the same day, you’ll have time to think about which college acceptance letters you want to accept. For most schools, the deadline for responding to your college acceptance letter is May 1 st .

How to Respond to a College Acceptance Letter?

Since you’ve seen our sample college acceptance letters, you already have an idea of what to expect in a letter of acceptance. 

What are your next steps when all your college acceptance letters have come in? You must respond before your school’s enrollment deadline to confirm your acceptance. As you saw in the sample college acceptance letters, schools will tell you when their deadline for acceptance letter response is.   

University enrollment takes place entirely online, so you don’t have to worry about mailing in forms or sending documents on time.

Your enrollment process may be different if you applied for Early Action or Early Decision university entry. Unlike students who apply Regular Decision, students who get into college during Early Decision will not have multiple schools and college acceptance letters to choose from. Early Decision is, by nature, a binding agreement between you and the school. So, if they give you a letter of acceptance, you must accept your spot .

Regular Decision applications

If you applied Regular Decision, you must accept your offer from the school of your choice and decline the others. Most schools will ask you to notify them either way. This way, they can potentially move other applicants off of the waitlist. Once you’ve decided on the school you’d like to attend, you may be asked to submit a tuition deposit. This is a non-refundable deposit which holds your place in the upcoming class.

If you are waitlisted, all you can do is wait. Additionally, if you are waitlisted at your dream school but have other admission offers, accept one of your other offers before all of the deadlines pass. If you end up getting off the waitlist, you may have to forfeit your original tuition deposit, but at least that way you’ll have a spot at a university either way.

What do College Rejection Letters Say?

Firstly, remember that most students, no matter how stellar they are, will likely receive college rejection letters at some point. We understand that receiving college rejection letters can be hard, especially after months of hard work and preparation.

While college rejection letters are never easy, remember that college rejection letters don’t reflect your worth. The college admissions process is rigorous, unpredictable, and relies on many factors beyond your control. Sometimes it’s not clear why one student will get into college and another won’t.  

When schools send out their college rejection letters, it is not always because they don’t think you are a good fit. Sometimes, admissions is simply looking for a certain type of student to round out their incoming class and you didn’t fit the bill. 

For tips on overcoming college rejection letters, check out this article . 

College rejection letter tone and content

Expect your college rejection letters to be brief and to the point. Admissions will thank you for applying and then say you haven’t been offered university entry. College rejection letters can leave many students wondering “why didn’t I get into college?” You may wonder if there’s anything you could have done to change the outcome. However, most college rejection letters won’t give a reason for the decision about university entry. 

Although college acceptance letters may come through the mail at some point, you won’t always receive college rejection letters in the mail. You’ll get your rejection letter in the same electronic manner as you would an acceptance letter – either via email or via your online portal. 

Since both acceptance and rejection letters often come out at the same time, you may prefer to wait until the end of the day to check emails or online portals. Then, you have time to process the decision by yourself, whatever the outcome.

Can You Appeal a College Rejection Letter?

While you may feel powerless in the face of college rejection letters , you can always make an appeal .  

Appealing college rejection letters means you send a formal request to ask a college to reconsider. However, remember that there’s no shortcut to get into college. Once a school has decided on university entry, they probably won’t reverse this. Once they’ve rejected your application, they’re unlikely to grant you university entry. 

While appealing college rejection letters works for some students, admissions decisions are rarely overturned. In their Guide to the College Admissions Appeal Process , U.S. News says the percentage of college rejection letters successfully appealed is low. In the last few years, the percentage of successful college rejection letters appeals was 3-5%.

For most students, unless new information has come to light since you submitted your application (and your grades and test scores are in the top quartile of admitted applicants), your chances of success are low. As a matter of fact, they’re so low that it may not be worth appealing college rejection letters. 

Choose a valid reason to appeal

Appeals based solely on your desire to attend a specific school are likely to fail. Many students feel strongly about attending certain universities. Admissions teams have far more students who want to attend than they have college acceptance letters. However, if you experience a significant change in your grades or need to correct an error on your original application, it may be worth looking into the school’s policy for appealing college rejection letters.

If you do decide to appeal your college rejection letters, check the official policy – either from the school’s admission’s website or by contacting the office of admissions. Some schools don’t let students appeal college rejection letters. Meanwhile, others have very strict requirements for appeals to college rejection letters. After schools send their letters of rejection, there’s also usually a strict timeline for appeals. For example, the University of California Berkeley allows freshman applicants four weeks to appeal their college rejection letters.

College Acceptance Letter: Final Thoughts

It isn’t easy applying to get into college. All hard work and hours spent writing supplemental essays and putting together your application culminates in that final moment where you can finally press send. And then you have to wait. Wait to receive your golden ticket, your college acceptance letter confirming your university entry. 

Alternatively, you’ll receive your college rejection letters saying that although you were a wonderful applicant, this just isn’t the school for you.

The waiting can be hard, but that is why it is so important to plan ahead and send out the best applications you possibly can. Choose schools where you think you’ll shine. This will make that moment when your acceptance letter finally comes in worth it.

In this “Guide to College Acceptance Letters”, we’ve talked about:

• College acceptance letters
• How you’ll receive college acceptance letters
• Some sample college acceptance letters
• Your next steps after college acceptance letters and college rejection letters

If you have received multiple college acceptance letters, you’ve finally reached the fun part: deciding! Choosing the school you are going to attend for the next four years is a big decision and one you eventually have to make for yourself. Talk to current students or faculty, visit if you can, consider the pros and cons of each school, and go with the place you’ll thrive.

Check out our resources

If you’re just starting the college application process, don’t think too much about college acceptance or rejection letters. Check out our resources on Applying to Ivy League Schools , Determining a College Essay Topic , and even Summer Planning for 8 th , 9 th , and 10 th Graders . 

If you’re not sure where to start, our expert team of Advisors can work with you through every step of the process: 

• building your college list
• writing your essays
• honing your candidate profile

Work with us to maximize your chances of receiving an acceptance letter.

CollegeAdvisor offers a range of college application services to help students get into college. If you want college application guidance from expert college application Advisors, get started today with your free account or schedule an advising consultation by calling (844) 343-6272.

This guide to college acceptance letters was written by Stefanie Tedards. At CollegeAdvisor, we have built our  reputation  by providing comprehensive information that offers real assistance to students. If you want to get help with your college applications from  CollegeAdvisor.com  Admissions Experts , visit us  online  or call (844) 576-0953 to  schedule your free advising consultation . We’re excited to help start you on the path to a successful future!

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The Ultimate College Application Timeline: From Search to Acceptance

The college application process can be incredibly stressful. From campus tours to letters of recommendation to essays, you have a lot to keep track of. With so much to do, it’s hard to know where or when to start!

To make sure you’re on the right path, we’ve created the ultimate college application timeline. Through junior and senior year, follow along with our comprehensive blog and printable timeline to make sure you successfully go from college search to acceptance!

Junior Year

September – January

• Attend college fairs. Virtual or in-person, college fairs can be a great place to acclimate to the college search process. Here’s our guide on making the most of college fairs.
• Begin test prep and take the PSAT. If you haven’t already taken it, now’s the time. College Board , the host of the PSATs, has your prepping needs covered.
• The SAT is generally offered March-June and October-December. Get a rundown of the SAT basics here.
• The ACT is offered February-December. Learn more and sign up on the official ACT website.
• Not sure which to take? Here’s our quick comparison of the SAT and ACT.

March – June

• Take the Niche College Quiz. After you’re done taking our quiz , visit your suggested schools’ profiles and research those you’re interested in.
• Make your list of colleges. Start with 15-20 schools— including safety, target and reach schools —for now and narrow them down later. To start adding colleges to your list , consider factors like location , tuition, reputation, size, selectivity, and if the school has a strong program for your intended major (if you know it yet).
• Attend campus visits and/or information sessions. Colleges can seem like a dream on paper, but there’s not always the same feeling once you get there. When you visit, get a feel for academic offerings, campus layout, dining options, dorm situation and social scene. To make the most of your visits, plan them properly . If you can’t go in-person, explore virtual visit options.
• Explore possible majors. For some, this is a simple feat. For others, it’s simply nerve wracking. There are many factors to consider when choosing a major.
• Prepare for and take the SAT/ACT. Know all the tips and tricks before you show up on test day. We’ve got plenty of suggestions for proper test prep to help you earn your ideal score. If you don’t like your score, set a new goal, hit the books, and try again in the fall—or superscore it . Still need help? There are more test prep resources.
• Keep your grades up (or bring them up). Junior year grades are the most closely analyzed by college admissions teams. Give that extra effort so you’re putting your best academic self out there.
• Ask for teacher/counselor letters of recommendation. Ideally, ask your junior year teachers or, if you know your intended major, a teacher who teaches a relevant subject. We have some pointers for getting counselor recs , too. Ask weeks, if not months, ahead of time. Here are all the details you should consider when asking for a letter of recommendation.

• Get summer experience. Spend your summer wisely by volunteering, getting a job, job shadowing , or participating in a summer college program or camp. Your best bet to impress schools is to do something relevant to your interests, skills or goals.
• Brainstorm ideas for your personal essay , AKA personal statement or Common App essay. This is your time to share something about yourself to your prospective universities. Get the creative juices flowing.
• Talk with parents or guardians about who’s paying for college and how. It can be a touchy subject, but it’s best to hash out the financial responsibilities before you get too far along in your search. Work your way through our financial aid checklist for the most productive convos.
• Start researching scholarships. A good place to get started? Niche’s list of college scholarships , of course.
• Get your FSA ID. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ) determines your eligibility for student financial aid. Even if you think your family won’t qualify, submit a FAFSA. Create a username and password (FSA ID) on the FAFSA website to get started. The first day you can file is Oct. 1.
• Narrow down your list of colleges.
• Make an activities/honors list. As you begin filling out college and scholarship applications, a high school resume will be extremely helpful . List your activities, accomplishments, awards, volunteer work, and actual work experience from ninth grade until now. Mention the tasks you accomplished, skills you gained and/or leadership roles you held. Creating an all-purpose brag sheet can also help you prep for your personal essay, scholarship apps, alumni interviews and more.
• Draft your personal essay. It goes without saying that writing an essay can be challenging. For a little inspo and insight, check out our guide to acing the college essay.
• Create necessary application accounts (Ex: Common App, Coalition App, ApplyTexas, UC Application). Each application account serves different universities, so do some research to see which application is accepted by your potential colleges.
• Understand what types of admissions deadlines you’ll face. Admissions types and deadlines greatly affect your approach to applying. Know whether you’re interested in applying early action, early decision, restricted early action or regular decision (most common). Not sure? We can help you decide which admissions types best fit you.

Senior Year

• Follow up with recommenders. Follow our guide to reminding your recommenders and you’ll have your letters of recommendation in no time.
• Continue narrowing down your list of colleges. Trim your list down to the 5-10 colleges that you love the most. Be strategic: Choose at least two safety schools, several target schools, and one or two reach schools.
• Retake the SAT/ACT (if needed). If you weren’t happy with your previous SAT score, now is the time to take it again.
• Complete your CSS Profile, if required by any of your schools. Here’s the most up-to-date list of schools that require a CSS profile. And here are all the ins and outs on how to create a CSS Profile—and why.
• If applying to a University of California (UC) school, draft your early application. UC deadlines are earlier than most. All apps are due Nov. 30.
• Keep researching and applying for scholarships. Explore 5 scholarships you can apply to right now. No joke.
• Complete and submit your FAFSA. Submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as close to Oct. 1 as possible. You’ll need a lot of financial docs, and we give the whole rundown in our comprehensive FAFSA guide.
• Finish your personal essay and activities list.
• Draft college-specific supplemental essays. For more essay-writing insight, explore these tips on writing supplemental essays. If you’re applying early decision/early action, finish them now.
• Submit early application/early decision applications. Most early application/early decision deadlines are Nov. 1 or Nov. 15. The Common Application early decision deadline is typically Nov. 1.
• Ask your school counselor to send your transcripts. Protocol varies at each high school, but you’ll want to request them at least two weeks before they’re due. For the whole spiel, check our comprehensive guide on requesting transcripts for college.
• If applying to a UC school, finalize your supplemental essay.
• If applying to a UC school, submit your application. The deadline is Nov. 30.
• Finalize college list. Hear a student’s perspective on how to tackle and trim down your college list.
• Edit supplemental essays.
• Search and apply for more scholarships. Consider this your friendly reminder!
• Send test scores to your schools. You can choose your score recipients before or after you take the test. Here’s how to submit your SAT scores. And here’s how to submit your ACT scores.
• Review early decision/early action acceptance letters. If accepted, celebrate! If deferred, send a letter of continued interest. If rejected, review your application and its essay, and decide whether to make improvements for future applications.
• Finalize your supplemental essays.
• Submit your regular decision applications. Before you do: Read our last-minute reminders. Most regular decision deadlines are Jan.1 or Jan. 15. The Common Application deadline is typically Jan. 1. After hitting “submit,” there are still a few things to wrap up.

January – February

• Submit mid-year grade reports. Some colleges require mid-year or second semester grade reports. If this is the case, make sure your counselor has the necessary forms.
• Prepare for and complete alumni/admissions interviews. Do all the prepwork for a successful interview , including how to navigate a virtual interview.
• Apply for more scholarships. The internet is your friend—most of the time. Here are really easy and inventive ways to use Google to fuel your scholarship search.

March – April

• If deferred/waitlisted, reach out and write a letter of continued interest.
• If rejected, send an appeal letter.
• Review financial aid packages. If you need help understanding the lingo, we’ve got a simple explainer on how to read your financial aid award letter . If you’re happy with their offers, great! If you’re not, you may want to appeal for a better package.
• Decide on your top schools.
• Study for and take AP exams. It could help with earning college credit ahead of time. Learn more about how AP exams could benefit you.
• Apply for more scholarships.
• Make a final decision by May 1. Yes! You did it. After you notify your school (and let the others know you’re heading elsewhere), it’s time to celebrate!
• Notify your supporters of your decision—and thank them! They’ll be so happy for you. A note, a gift, a high five—just let them know you appreciate their support. Here’s a rundown of all the people you should be thanking.

Download The Ultimate College Application Timeline PDF!

Author: Lissett Bohannon

Lissett Bohannon earned her BS in Psychology from the University of Idaho and her Masters in Education from UT Austin. She has worked at every level of education from teaching first grade to working in higher ed at UT Austin. The majority of her experience and passion lies in her work as a high school counselor. In January 2020, she started a social media platform “ThatSchoolCounselor” to help students navigate their journey through high school and plan for their future. With over 120K followers on TikTok and over 97 million views on her hashtag #thatschoolcounselor, she reaches students at a national level. She is currently enjoying her role as the Niche School Counselor and resides with her family in Austin, TX

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When Do College Decisions Come Out? 2023 Dates

What’s covered:, when do college decisions usually come out, decision notification dates at top colleges.

• When Do Financial Ahid Awards Come Out?
• Can Colleges Rescind Acceptances?

What if You’re Rejected From Your Dream School?

Whether you’re waiting for your decision or wondering about the general college applications timeline, this post will let you know what to expect. We also include the decision notification dates in 2023 at top research universities and liberal arts colleges.

Your decision notification date depends on the application timeline you chose.

If you applied Early Decision or Early Action, with deadlines typically in October or November, you should get your admissions decision around mid-December.

If you applied Early Decision II or Early Action II, with deadlines typically at the beginning of January, you should get your admissions decision by mid-February.

If you applied Regular Decision, with deadlines usually at the beginning of January, you should get your admissions decision from mid-March through early April. There are also a handful of top schools who send likely letters to especially strong applicants from the Regular Decision round. These letters come around mid-February and let a student know that they are very likely to be accepted.

Finally, if your school has Rolling Admissions, you may get your decision as early as a few weeks after submitting your application. These colleges review applications as they come in and release decisions in waves.

To gain a better understanding of the different admission cycles check out our article: EA, ED, REA, RD: What’s the Difference?  

Now that you have a better sense of the general deadlines and notification dates, here are the specific dates at top schools.

Research Universities

Liberal arts colleges, when do financial aid awards come out.

Your financial aid award should arrive with your acceptance, or a few days after. If you’ve been accepted but haven’t gotten your financial aid package, double check your acceptance packet or the school’s portal to see if there’s a financial aid offer you missed.

If you can’t find any financial aid information after a few days of being accepted, call the financial aid office. If you applied Regular Decision, the decision notification date is usually around one month before deposit day, so you want to ensure you have all the information you need to make your decision as soon as possible.

If you’re unhappy with your financial aid package when you get it, remember that you can negotiate. Read our guide to negotiating financial aid for more information.

Can Colleges Rescind Applications?

Yes, acceptances can be rescinded by colleges in certain circumstances. Colleges reserve the right to deny a student admission if the student’s academic performance significantly decreases, or if the student engages in behavior that violates the school’s code of conduct.

In addition, a student’s acceptance may be rescinded by a college if it is discovered that they submitted false information on their application, such as a fake transcript or SAT scores.

Colleges usually don’t rescind acceptances, however, unless something has gone significantly wrong. If your grades dropped a little (for example, you had all A’s and got a B or two), you don’t need to sweat it.

If you applied to super selective colleges, remember that the vast majority of applicants will be rejected. While it may give you solace that others are in the same boat, it doesn’t take away the sting of not getting into the dream college you worked so hard to get into.

College admissions decisions can feel really personal too, and makes you wonder whether you just weren’t “good enough.” The truth is that applicants meet the standards at top schools, but there just aren’t enough spaces, so schools have to prioritize what they need in their community. For example, maybe they need more philosophy majors, tuba players in the orchestra, or students who will likely join the eco club.

It’s okay to be upset and disappointed by your decision; take the time you need. But, make sure you also take a good look at the schools that accepted you and start imagining what your college life could be like there.

If you’re looking for support or guidance as you get your decisions back, check out our Q&A forum , where you can ask questions and start discussions with peers.

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12th Grade College Application Timeline

Find the right college for you..

Want to know if you’re on track for the senior year timeline for the college application process? This college application timeline for seniors shows you what you should be doing, and when.

• Narrow your list of colleges to between 5 and 10. Meet with a counselor about your college choices and, if you haven’t done so yet, download college applications and financial aid forms. Plan to visit as many of these colleges as possible.
• Tests you’ll take and their fees, dates, and registration deadlines.
• College application timeline and due dates.
• Required financial aid application forms and their deadlines (aid applications may be due before college applications).
• Other materials you’ll need (e.g., recommendations, transcripts)
• Your school district's high school timeline for college application processing.
• Ask a counselor to help you request a fee waiver if you can’t afford application or test fees when applying for colleges senior year.
• Take the SAT one more time : Many seniors retake the SAT in the fall as part of their college planning timeline. The additional coursework you completed since your last test could help you boost your performance. Plus, you'll already know what to expect on test day.
• Send your SAT scores to the colleges you’re applying to if your scores strengthen your application.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) : To apply for most financial aid, you’ll need to add completing the FAFSA to your timeline for college planning. October 1 is the first day you can file the FAFSA.
• Complete the CSS PROFILE : CSS PROFILE is an online application used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to determine eligibility for their aid dollars.
• Prepare early decision/early action or rolling admission applications as soon as possible. Colleges may require test scores and applications between November 1 and November 15 for early decision admission.
• Ask a counselor or teacher for recommendations if you need them. Give each teacher or counselor an outline of your academic record and your extracurricular activities. For each recommendation, provide your teacher or counselor with the URL link and any college forms required. Allow them at least 10 school days to complete the recommendations.
• Write first drafts of application essays, and ask teachers and others to read them before you submit them. If you’re applying for early decision, finish the essays for that application now.
• Complete at least 1 college application by Thanksgiving.
• Ask counselors how to submit your transcripts to colleges.
• Save copies as you finish and send your applications and essays.
• Request your high school send an official transcript: It may be sent by U.S. mail or email. You may want a copy for yourself, though this copy wouldn’t be considered official.
• Work with your counselor on mid-year updates if the college wants to see second-semester grades.
• Keep active in school. Whether you are waitlisted or already accepted, the college will want to know what you’ve accomplished between the time you applied and the time you learned of its decision.
• Visit your final college before accepting. The college timeline for high school students shows that you should receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April. Notify your counselor of your choice. If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor. Or call the college.r of your choice. If you have questions about housing offers, talk to your counselor or call the college.
• Inform every college of your acceptance or rejection of the offer of admission and/or financial aid by May 1. Colleges can’t require your deposit or your commitment to attend before May 1. Talk to your counselor or adviser if you have questions.
• Send your enrollment deposit after you receive the admission letter. The deposit goes toward your first year’s tuition. Some colleges may consider these deposits nonrefundable and may ask for additional funds related to fees like room and board.
• Take any AP Exams . Show what you’ve learned in your AP classes. A successful score could even earn you credit, advanced placement, or both in college.
• Waitlisted by a college ? If you intend to enroll if you are accepted, tell the admission director your intent and ask how to strengthen your application. Need financial aid? Ask whether funds will be available if you’re accepted.
• Work with a counselor to resolve any admissions or financial aid problems.
• Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college either electronically or through the U.S. mail.
• Review your financial aid awards : Not all financial aid awards are the same, so it’s important to choose the aid package that’s best for you and your family. Be sure to note what you have to do to continue receiving financial aid from year to year, and how your aid might change in future years.

When do college applications open for the next year’s class?

Most college applications open August 1 each year for students who plan to begin college classes for the following year’s fall semester.

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When Do College Acceptance Letters Arrive for Regular Decision? For Early Decision or Early Action?

When Do College Acceptance Letters Arrive, Generally?

College acceptance letters generally arrive in the months of March and April for regular decision applicants. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the college and their specific admissions timeline. It's important to note that some colleges may release their decisions earlier, particularly for early action or early decision applicants. Students should check the specific admissions website or contact the admissions office of each college they have applied to for accurate and up-to-date information regarding acceptance letter timelines.

During the application process, colleges typically review applications, conduct interviews (if applicable), and evaluate all aspects of an applicant's profile, including academic performance, test scores, extracurricular involvement, essays, recommendation letters, and other supporting materials. After a thorough evaluation, the admissions committee makes their decisions and sends out acceptance letters to admitted students.

Receiving an acceptance letter is an exciting and significant milestone for students, as it represents their successful admission to a college or university. It is important for students to carefully review the acceptance letter and any accompanying materials, such as financial aid award letters or enrollment forms, and to follow any instructions provided by the college. Students are usually given a deadline to accept or decline their offer of admission, so it is crucial to be mindful of these deadlines and take necessary steps to secure their spot at the chosen college.

While the general timeline for acceptance letters is in March and April, it's important to remember that each college operates on its own schedule and may have different notification dates. Students should remain patient and continue to monitor their email and physical mailboxes for updates from the colleges they have applied to. It is also advisable to regularly check the applicant portal or admissions website of each college for any updates or changes to the notification timeline.

An Aside: What If You're Waitlisted?

Being waitlisted by a college can be an uncertain and challenging situation for students. When a student is placed on a college's waitlist, it means that the admissions committee has not made a final decision on their application. Instead, the student's application will be reconsidered if spots become available in the incoming class.

If you find yourself on a college's waitlist, here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. Understand the waitlist process: Take the time to carefully read and understand the college's waitlist policy. Each college may have different procedures and guidelines, so it's important to know how the process works at the specific institution.

2. Respond promptly: If you receive a notification that you have been placed on the waitlist, it's crucial to respond promptly and follow any instructions provided. Typically, you will need to confirm your continued interest in the college and indicate whether you would like to remain on the waitlist.

3. Assess your options: While waiting for a decision from the waitlist, it's important to continue exploring and considering your other college options. You may want to accept an offer of admission from another college where you have been accepted, particularly if it aligns with your goals and preferences.

4. Communicate your continued interest: If you are still interested in attending the college that placed you on the waitlist, consider reaching out to the admissions office to express your continued interest. This can be done through a thoughtful email or letter that highlights your continued enthusiasm for the college and any relevant updates or achievements since submitting your application.

5. Enhance your application: If permitted, you may have the opportunity to provide additional materials or updates to strengthen your application. This could include updated grades, new test scores, or additional recommendation letters. Be sure to carefully follow the college's guidelines and deadlines for submitting these materials.

6. Stay positive and explore alternatives: While it can be disappointing to be on a waitlist, it's important to maintain a positive mindset and explore alternative options. Consider accepting an offer of admission from another college and be open to the possibility of attending a different institution.

It's important to note that waitlist decisions are often uncertain, and there is no guarantee of acceptance. However, by following the college's instructions, expressing continued interest, and exploring other options, you can navigate the waitlist process with grace and make the best decision for your academic and personal journey.

Waiting for College Acceptance Letters? 3 Tips for What to Do

Waiting for college acceptance letters can be an exciting and anxious time for students and their families. While it's natural to feel eager to receive the news, it's also important to approach this waiting period in a productive and positive way. Here are three tips for what to do while waiting for college acceptance letters:

1. Stay Engaged in Your Current Activities: It can be tempting to put everything on hold while waiting for acceptance letters, but it's crucial to continue focusing on your current academic and extracurricular pursuits. Stay engaged in your coursework, participate actively in your extracurricular activities, and maintain your commitment to community service or other interests. Not only will this help you stay occupied, but it also shows colleges that you are dedicated and motivated.

2. Research and Explore Alternatives: While waiting for acceptance letters, it's a good idea to research and explore alternative options. Look into other colleges or universities that interest you and gather information about their programs, admission requirements, and campus culture. This can help you broaden your perspective and provide you with alternative paths to consider if your top-choice colleges do not offer admission.

3. Prepare for Financial Aid and Scholarships: Use this waiting period to gather information and prepare for the financial aspects of college. Research various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Familiarize yourself with the financial aid process, deadlines, and requirements. Start exploring scholarship opportunities and prepare any necessary documents or essays. Being proactive about financial aid can alleviate some stress once acceptance letters arrive and help you make informed decisions about college affordability.

Remember to stay positive and keep things in perspective during this waiting period. While the anticipation can be nerve-wracking, remember that acceptance to college is just one part of your academic journey. Focus on your personal growth, continue pursuing your passions, and trust that the right college fit will come your way.

Conclusion: When Do College Acceptance Letters Arrive?

In conclusion, the arrival of college acceptance letters can vary depending on the specific college or university and the admissions process they follow. While there is no exact timeline, most colleges aim to send out acceptance letters in late March or early April for regular decision applicants. However, it's important to note that this timeline may vary for early decision, early action, and rolling admissions programs.

The waiting period for acceptance letters can be an anxious and exciting time for students and their families. It's important to remain patient and understand that colleges receive a high volume of applications, which takes time to review thoroughly. Additionally, factors such as the number of applications received, the complexity of the admission process, and the specific policies of each college can impact the timeline for sending out acceptance letters.

During this waiting period, it's essential to focus on maintaining your academic performance, staying engaged in your current activities, and considering alternative options. It's natural to feel a range of emotions during this time, but try to stay positive and trust in the process. Remember that the college admissions process is not solely determined by acceptance letters, but rather the culmination of your academic achievements, personal growth, and the experiences that have shaped you.

Ultimately, the arrival of acceptance letters signifies an important milestone in your academic journey. Regardless of the outcomes, it's crucial to remain resilient, open-minded, and confident in your abilities. Embrace the opportunities that come your way, whether it's an acceptance from your dream college or an alternative path that may lead to new possibilities. Remember that the college you attend does not define your success, and there are numerous paths to achieve your goals and aspirations.

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The Timeline for College Applications: A 2023-2024 Update

The college application journey marks a crucial milestone in the lives of countless students, indicating a transition toward higher education and fulfilling aspirations for the future. As we embark on the 2023-2024 academic year, the pursuit of admission to esteemed institutions has never been more competitive. Navigating college applications demands careful planning, dedication, and an understanding of the latest trends and updates in the admissions process. In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the timeline for college applications (A 2023-2024 Update), shedding light on the vital steps, important dates, and essential strategies that students need to secure their place in the college of their dreams. Staying informed about the ever-evolving college admissions landscape is paramount, and this article aims to equip you with the most up-to-date information, empowering you to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead confidently. So, let’s dive in!

How to Navigate the College Application Process 2023

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Research and Create a College List:

Start by looking into colleges and universities that fit your curricular preferences (such as class size, faculty to student ratio, etc.), professional aspirations, and personal preferences. Location, campus culture, size, available majors, extracurricular activities, and financial aid opportunities should all be taken into account. List the reach, match, and safety schools you want to apply to. Here is what reach match and fafety schools mean:

Reach Schools:

Reach schools are colleges where the applicant’s academic profile falls below the average admitted student’s credentials. While it’s a bit of a stretch, gaining admission is not impossible. Applying to reach schools allows students to aim high and potentially gain admission to a more competitive institution. However, it’s important to have a strong application to increase the chances of acceptance.

Match Schools:

Match schools are colleges where the applicant’s academic profile aligns closely with the average admitted student’s credentials. These schools offer a reasonable chance of admission based on the applicant’s qualifications. Applying to match schools provides a balanced approach, as there’s a good chance of acceptance while also aiming for schools that are a good fit academically and socially.

Safety Schools:

Safety schools are colleges where the applicant’s academic profile is above the average admitted student’s credentials. These are institutions where the applicant is very likely to gain admission. Safety schools offer an important backup option and ensure that the applicant has at least one or more schools to attend if acceptance to reach or match schools is not achieved.

Check Application Requirements and Deadlines:

To learn about the prerequisites and deadlines for each college on your list, visit their websites. The essay questions, SAT or ACT requirements, reference letters, and supporting materials may differ amongst colleges. To keep organized, make a list of all the important deadlines.

Prepare for Standardized Tests (if applicable):

If the universities you’re applying to require standardized test results, such as the SAT or ACT , plan ahead of time and register for the exams. Consider attending test preparation courses or using online resources to increase your scores.

Gather Application Materials:

Start gathering all the required application materials early on. This includes any additional paperwork required by each college, such as transcripts, official AP score results, SAT and ACT score reports, recommendation letters, personal statements, and supplemental essays.

Complete the Common Application (if applicable):

Many private colleges make use of the Common Application, which enables you to submit one application to many institutions. If the Common App is accepted by your chosen universities, fill it out completely, paying close attention to the personal essay.

Write Stellar Essays:

Create meaningful, intriguing personal essays that highlight your personality, experiences, and goals. Some school systems, such as the University of California system, have multiple essays that will be sent out to all schools in the system- as a result, these essays will be more generalized and applicable to multiple schools. On the other hand, some schools, like private institutions, may have specific prompts for their school.  If necessary, tailor your essays to the exact prompts of each college and be aware of why you want to attend that school. Get feedback from professors, counselors, or peers to improve your writing.

Request Recommendation Letters:

Request recommendation letters from professors, counselors, or other mentors early on. Choose letter writers who know you well, which will support a stronger letter. Give them enough time to compose the letters on your behalf and submit them. Make sure to express your gratitude to them for their help.

Submit Applications:

Submit your applications before the deadlines provided. Some universities may offer “early decision” or “early action” options with earlier submission dates, so keep this in mind if you want to apply early.

Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships:

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or any other financial aid application requested by each college. Furthermore, look for and apply for scholarships that fit your qualifications and interests.

Attend Interviews (if required):

Some institutions may require interviews as part of the application process. Research the school and practice potential interview questions to prepare for these interviews.

Wait for Admissions Decisions:

After you’ve submitted your applications, you’ll have to wait for admissions decisions. During this period, stay optimistic while focusing on your academic work.

Compare Offers and Make a Decision:

After getting admission letters and financial aid packages, thoroughly weigh your options. Affordability, academic programs, campus environment, and job prospects are all important considerations. Make your final pick and send your acceptance letter to your chosen college.

Remember, the college application process can be both exciting and challenging. Stay organized, seek guidance from school counselors, teachers, or college advisors, and reach out to college representatives if you have any questions. Good luck with your college applications!

You can always contact Jack Westin’s team of academic consultants for more tailor-made advice during your prep journey.

A Comprehensive Timeline for College Applications for the 2023-2024 Academic Year

Junior Year (11th Grade)

Fall Semester:

• Start researching colleges and create a preliminary list of potential institutions.
• Register for standardized tests (SAT, ACT) if planning to take them.
• Take a Practice SAT, specifically if your school offers this.
• Attend college fairs and information sessions to gather insights about different colleges. Use this as an opportunity to network. 
• Begin preparing for standardized tests, if applicable.
• Request recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors.
• Continue exploring potential majors and career paths.Register for standardized tests (SAT, ACT) if planning to take them.

Spring Semester:

• Take the SAT or ACT (if not taken in the fall) and consider taking subject tests if required by your target colleges.
• Review your academic progress and make any necessary adjustments to your course selection.
• Take the SAT or ACT.
• Visit college campuses (virtually or in person, if possible) to get a feel for the environment.
• Prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, if applicable.
• Take Advanced Placement (AP) exams, if applicable. 

Senior Year (12th Grade)

Summer before Senior Year:

• Finalize your college list based on your research and campus visits.
• Start working on college application essays and personal statements.
• Consider applying for summer programs or internships to enhance your profile.
• Complete your application essays and personal statements.
• Gather all required documents, including transcripts and test scores, to send to colleges.
• Register for and take any necessary SAT or ACT exams for the last time, if needed.
• Submit applications for Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) if you have chosen to apply early.
• Continue working on regular decision applications for colleges with later deadlines.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CSS Profile for financial aid consideration.
• Begin the online application process through Common App or individual college portals.
• Double-check all application materials and deadlines before submitting.
• Ensure that recommendation letters are sent by recommenders.

Winter Break:

• Take a well-deserved break and celebrate your accomplishments thus far!
• Monitor your email and applicant portals for interview requests and application updates.
• If any schools require transcript submissions, make sure to send those out. 
• Regular decision notifications begin rolling out; be prepared for acceptance, rejection, or waitlist responses.
• Review acceptance letters and financial aid packages to make informed decisions.
• If applicable, submit enrollment deposits by the college’s deadline.
• Notify the colleges of your final decision to attend or decline their offer.
• Inform other colleges that accept you if you will not be attending.

Summer after High School Graduation:

• Prepare for the transition to college life by attending orientation programs and completing the necessary paperwork.

Remember that specific deadlines and requirements may vary for each college, so always verify the dates with the institutions you are applying to. Staying organized, managing your time effectively, and seeking guidance from school counselors will help ensure a successful college application process. Good luck on your journey to higher education!

The 2023-2024 college application season offers an exciting opportunity for your future. Armed with the latest updates and comprehensive tips from this guide, you can confidently embark on your college application journey and find the perfect institution to pursue your dreams. Remember, staying proactive and well-informed throughout the process will ensure your success. Best of luck! 

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When Do College Decisions Come Out? – 2023-24

November 28, 2023

When do college decisions come out? If scenes in coming-of-age high school movies are to be believed, they arrive suddenly, ratcheting up dramatic tension. The more prosaic reality is that these decisions come out in stable patterns, helping you predict when they will arrive. Admittedly, having this knowledge doesn’t necessarily make the wait feel less dramatic. But it can help you mentally prepare for the final phase of the admissions process. By knowing when colleges will send acceptance letters, you can ready yourself for the process of accepting an offer of admission. You can also have more mental space to focus on important steps like finishing high school and applying for scholarships.

This article breaks down when you can generally expect decisions for regular decision, early decision, and early action admissions. It also includes information about when specific schools announced decisions last year, to give you a more granular picture of the announcement calendar. Finally, it provides some recommendations for what you can do to productively fill the vacuum while you wait.

When Do College Decisions Come Out – General Trends

To begin with, when do colleges send acceptance letters, in general terms? The bulk of college applications are submitted at the end of the summer, throughout the fall, and in early winter. Further, most schools require their accepted applicants who haven’t applied early decision to make a commitment by May 1st. Thus, the answer to the question “When do college decisions come out?” is, as you might expect, in the spring. However, we can break this broad window down even more by considering the different admissions plans or categories. The better question is “When do college decisions come out for regular decision, early decision, and early action applications?”

For the uninitiated, early decision (ED) and early action (EA) admissions plans are two major alternatives to regular decision applications. Early action refers to nonbinding admissions plans. Students who apply early action receive an early response to their application but don’t have to commit until May 1 st . In contrast, students who apply early decision enter into a binding agreement to attend a specific school if they are accepted. Traditionally, early decision applications are due early in the application season. However, more schools are permitting a second round of binding admission programs. Early decision (ED 2) plans allow students to wait until later in the year to pledge their allegiance to a school. For more information about these various plans, you can review our article breaking down their different timelines . The key is, because plans use different application deadlines, decisions for those applications are announced in a predictable staggered pattern.

When Do College Decisions Come Out (Continued)

So, in general, when do college decisions come out for each admission plan? Here is a breakdown of the general patterns:

• When do colleges send acceptance letters for Early Decision I?

Applicants usually receive admission decisions in December , the earliest in the admission season.

• When do colleges send acceptance letters for Early Action?

Most applicants can expect to hear back in January , with some receiving decisions in late December and early February .

• When do colleges send acceptance letters for Early Decision II?

February is when applicants using these plans can typically expect an announcement.

• When do colleges send acceptance letters for Regular Decision?

Applicants will hear back in March or early April , the latest decisions in the season.

Because regular decision applications are still the most common, the bulk of decisions come anywhere from two months to just weeks before the May 1st deadline. A smaller number of decisions concerning early decision and early action applications arrive significantly earlier. However, it’s worth noting that not every college offers the same variety of admissions plans. Early decision II is relatively rare in the admissions landscape, for example. Also, some colleges offer rolling admissions . Rolling admissions allows colleges to evaluate applications as they come in. The decisions are also announced on a rolling basis.

Finally, it is still common to speak of “acceptance letters” when referring to college decisions. However, it’s rare for these decisions to arrive by snail mail these days, at least at first. Typically, applicants will receive decisions by email or notifications from institution-specific accounts, with physical letters arriving later.

When Do College Decisions Come Out – School-Specific Examples

Although universities tend to release decisions in similar patterns, announcement dates vary by institution. Thus, you might focus on specific schools to get a better idea of when to expect news. Fortunately, many universities offer information on their public websites about when applicants can expect decisions. The table below provides a small sample of popular universities that offer such information on the linked webpages.

As you’ll notice from the table, the information provided by each school can be a bit vague. For myriad institutional reasons, schools rarely pin down exact decision dates on the calendar. And many schools provide no easily accessible information about when students can expect to hear back. For those schools, you might try to find information on when students in the previous admissions cycle received news. If all else fails, you can trust that schools will make announcements according to the general trends discussed above.

What Should You Do While You Wait For Decisions?

It’s difficult to sugarcoat: waiting for college decisions can be excruciating. It’s also easy to feel like you have no agency once applications have been submitted. The decision, ultimately, is out of your hands. However, there’s much you can do to stay calm and productive while you wait. Looking for and applying for scholarships is perhaps the most impactful action you can take during the waiting period. There is a dizzying number of private scholarships with application deadlines throughout the year. Taking advantage of these is a terrifically forward-looking means of funding your college education before you’re even admitted. For help getting started with the process of finding and securing scholarships, you can consult our article on the subject .

It is also important to stay invested in school while you wait. Many students may understandably struggle to focus on their senior year while college decisions loom, one contributing factor to “senioritis.” But you’ll want to stay academically sharp to be better prepared for the enhanced rigor of college. Plus, the last thing you want is for your grades to slip in the final stretch, potentially imperiling admissions offers.

When Do Colleges Send Acceptance Letters? (Continued)

There are many suggestions for how to stay collected and focused during the decision waiting period.  These include exercises for distracting yourself from decision anxiety and tips for navigating potentially triggering conversations with friends and family. Perhaps their most useful suggestion is that students keep their options open. We recommend keeping note of the pros and cons of each school you applied to. This can significantly help you make your ultimate decision as the decisions start arriving. Even more importantly, it can show you that you have several great options beyond your “dream school.”

When Do College Decisions Come Out – Concluding Thoughts

It is easy to wallow in the frustration that waiting can bring. After all, college decisions feel deeply personal and personally significant. But college decision calendars are guided by specific institutional timelines, not the dictates of your coming-of-age plot. You can trust that most decisions will come in March or early April, well before the May 1st deadline. A more select group of early decision and early action decisions can arrive anywhere between December and February. Across that five-month span, it is important to stay focused on what you control, like grades and financial support options. You can also keep an open mind about the schools you’ve applied to rather than putting all your eggs in one basket.

Above all, it is vital to remain plugged into the enthusiasm that led you to apply in the first place. It’s true that you never know what school you might get into. It is equally true that you can have a satisfying, meaningful life regardless of what happens after high school.

• Navigating the Admissions Process

Tyler Talbott

Tyler holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Missouri and two Master of Arts degrees in English, one from the University of Maryland and another from Northwestern University. Currently, he is a PhD candidate in English at Northwestern University, where he also works as a graduate writing fellow.

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While academic accomplishment is important, the Admissions Committee considers many other factors—strong personal qualities, special talents or excellences of all kinds, perspectives formed by unusual personal circumstances, and the ability to take advantage of available resources and opportunities.

First-Year Application Requirements

All first-year applicants—both international and U.S. candidates—must complete the Common Application  or Coalition Application by Scoir , along with the required supplements. You will need to submit:

• This includes subsets of questions, an activities list, and a personal essay ( Common Application prompts , Coalition Application prompts )
• There are five required short-answer questions with 200 word limits for each
• $85 fee (or request a fee waiver )
• AP or other examination results are not required, but may be submitted
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• Midyear School Report (after your first semester grades)
• Final School Report (for admitted students only)

Application Timeline

You may apply to Harvard under either our Restrictive Early Action or our Regular Decision program, both of which allow you to compare admission and financial aid offers from other institutions and to wait until May 1 to make a final college choice.

Your materials are due by the deadline for whichever round you choose; high school counselors may submit supporting materials up to a week after the deadline if necessary. 

• Restrictive Early Action candidates apply by  November 1  and receive notification by mid-December . 
• Regular Decision candidates apply by  January 1  and receive notification by the  end of March .

You are welcome to apply to Harvard using the Common Application which opens August 1, or the Coalition Application, Powered by Scoir, which opens August 15.     

First-year Timeline Questions

View detailed application timeline.

Spring (prior to the year you apply)   Consider taking the following tests, if you wish (note: Harvard is currently test-optional):

• SAT or ACT - check whether these are required or optional

Fall (of the year you apply) As early in the fall as possible, please submit: 

• Your online application to Harvard, via the Common Application or the Coalition Application, Powered by Scoir. This is needed to open your admissions file, track your documents, and set up a possible alumni interview. 
• The $85 application fee or a fee waiver request .
• You may send the application supplements at a later date, preferably no later than 2 weeks after the application deadline

October 31 Restrictive Early Action applicants: If you are submitting test scores, we request that you submit them by the end of October. However, you are still eligible to apply using the November series as they should reach us in time for consideration.

November 1 Restrictive Early Action applicants: Your portions of the application are due by November 1 at 11:59pm (your local time); high school counselors may submit supporting materials up to one week later if necessary. 

Also submit your financial aid application so that if you are admitted, we will be able to send you financial aid information in mid-December when decisions are released.

Early November If you are applying Regular Decision and submitting standardized test scores, we recommend that you submit scores from the November series or earlier, though you may submit December scores (SAT) or February scores (ACT).

Mid-December Restrictive Early Action applicants: Decisions released.

January 1 Your portions of the application are due by January 1 at 11:59pm (your local time); high school counselors may submit supporting materials up to one week later if necessary. 

February 1 Notify the Admissions Office ([email protected]) if you have not received your application confirmation email.

Submit your financial aid application (if still pending), so that if you are admitted, we will be able to send you financial aid information in late March when decisions are released.

Mid-February Request that your school submit your Midyear School Report forms with your most recent grades.

End of March First-year admission decisions released. 

Early May Reply deadline for admitted students. No deposit required.

How and when to submit ACT or SAT scores (for students submitting standardized test scores)

For those students who would like standardized test scores considered as part of their application materials, students may submit the SAT or ACT (with or without writing). You may self report your SAT and ACT test scores as well as Advanced Placement or other scores. Admitted students who decide to enroll at Harvard College and have submitted self-reported test scores will be required to submit official test scores at the time of enrollment.

If you are applying Restrictive Early Action, we would like your testing results by the end of October; however, you may submit the November series if needed. As soon as you receive the results of those tests, you may submit them via the Applicant Portal or request a score report, without the need or expense of "rush reporting.”

For Regular Decision, although it is possible to submit scores from tests taken as late as the December SAT and the February ACT, we recommend that you submit testing as early as possible. Scores submitted before the end of November will allow us to begin our evaluation process for those submitting applications by December 15.

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Restrictive Early Action

Applying to Harvard under the Restrictive Early Action program empowers you to make a college choice early. Early applicants apply by November 1 and hear from us by mid-December. 

If your record and accomplishments have been consistently strong over time, Restrictive Early Action may be an attractive choice. You don’t have to commit to coming to Harvard, but you will learn earlier if it is an option for you.

Consider if Restrictive Early Action is Right for You

What is restrictive early action.

Harvard welcomes interested applicants to apply under our Restrictive Early Action plan by November 1 in order to be notified of a decision in mid-December. Restrictive Early Action is a non-binding early program, signifying that if admitted, you are not obligated to attend, and have until May 1 to reply to our offer of admission. 

IMPORTANT: 

• If you are applying to Harvard under Restrictive Early Action, you may not apply to any other private institution under an Early Decision, Early Action, or Restrictive Early Action plan, or to a binding early program at a public university.
• You are welcome to apply early to any public university, military academy, or university outside of the United States under a non-binding program. 
• Additionally, you are able to apply to other universities under their Regular Decision or Early Decision II programs. 
• If your application is deferred in the early action round, you may apply to a binding early decision program at another college (i.e. Early Decision II).
• You may apply for scholarships or special academic programs with an early deadline at another institution, public or private, if the timing is proven to be a necessary aspect for consideration, and the outcome is non-binding.  
• Harvard will meet the full financial need of admitted students regardless of whether they apply Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision. 

Is it easier to be accepted if I apply Restrictive Early Action?

Harvard does not offer an advantage to students who apply early. While admit rates tend to be higher in Restrictive Early Action, this reflects the remarkable strength of the applicant pool rather than a benefit of application timing. For any individual student, the final decision likely would be comparable whether the student applies Restrictive Early Action or Regular Decision.

What are the benefits of applying Regular Decision?

Regular Decision offers important practical advantages.

• You will have more time to edit and proofread your portions of the application, and more time for your teachers and counselors to become familiar with you before they write on your behalf.
• Your application may be strengthened by senior year extracurricular achievements, course selections, academic performance, or other important factors.

Mailing Your Application

Applications that are received in the mail will be treated equally by the Admissions Committee. However, applications submitted online are processed faster and allow your school officials to submit their part of your application online as well. Please choose one option only: either apply online or send an application through the mail.*

*All application materials sent become the property of the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid. We will not be able to return any application materials as a result. Please do not mail valuable, personal, or original materials as a part of your application if you wish to keep your work.

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• After January 15 – Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

What are we looking for?

There's no single thing we look for in an application. Each is evaluated holistically with your academic, extracurricular and personal achievements all considered.

We encourage students to provide a variety of details in their applications, including your academic records and insight into the experiences that have made you who you are.

Overall, the goal of our admissions process is to identify students who will succeed in the classroom while also contributing to our university and the broader community in diverse and meaningful ways.

How to Apply

Apply online (for free) using the Common App or our application for First-time, First-year Students:

• Start a New Application
• Continue Existing Application
• Contact Admissions

Does this sound like you?

To give you a sense about what successful applicants look like, here are some facts about our most recent first-year class:

• Middle 50 percent high school GPA: 3.4-3.9
• Middle 50 percent ACT: 24-29
• Middle 50 percent SAT: 1120-1360

Note: St. Thomas is a test optional school and students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores as part of their application. See our test optional policy for guidance on whether or not to submit your scores.

Parts of the Application

Transcript(s), test scores, essay questions, letters of recommendation, transcript(s) (required).

We require high school transcripts be sent to us before your application can be reviewed. This transcript must include your entire set of high school grades and courses to date.

We will accept unofficial transcripts for your application. You may submit an unofficial transcript by downloading it from your school system and sending it to [email protected] or your admissions counselor .

If you've attended multiple high schools – and your entire record isn't included on the transcript of your current high school – you're required to submit an official transcript from your previous high school(s) as well.

If you've taken college classes before, we recommend you submit official college transcripts as well – though this IS NOT required.

Students who are admitted and enroll: Please note that an OFFICIAL transcript will be required prior to starting classes at St. Thomas. This official transcript will need to be sent directly from your school and include your graduation date.

Impacts from COVID-19 We know that COVID-19 may have affected the way your school awards grades. We encourage you to share your story when applying for admission. Let us know how COVID-19 impacted your learning and grades/GPA.

Test Scores (Optional)

St. Thomas is a test optional school, which means that students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores as part of their application.

Our test optional page has more information about this policy and offers guidance about whether or not to submit your scores. Please contact your admissions counselor if you have any questions.

If you do choose to submit your test scores, you can self-report your highest composite and subject scores for the ACT and/or SAT on the application. Your scores DO NOT need to be officially sent to us during the application process.

Essay Questions (Recommended)

Though you aren't technically required to answer our essay questions, we highly recommend that you do – especially if you apply without test scores.*

Responses to these questions are used to understand the demographics of our applicant pool and may also be used for other limited purposes after an admission decision (for example, communication about student clubs or organizations that may be of interest) Your information regarding gender, pronouns, race and ethnicity will not be visible to the admissions committee and are not considered during the University of St. Thomas application review.

Below are the current essay prompts. You can choose to write about them or to submit a different personal essay of your choosing. We want to learn a little about you as a person, so please submit an essay that will help us do that.

• Discuss a meaningful contribution you have made through involvement in school, church, community activities or family responsibilities.
• Describe an event, a person or an educational experience that has had a major impact on your life and why.
• Share additional information about your personal story that would be beneficial to the application review process. What do you want the readers to know about you apart from courses and academic credentials?
• Provide an explanation of your transcript record. Is there anything on your transcript that you would like to share more information about with the admissions committee?

We recommend that your essay be one to two pages long.

We also ask a second essay question about your experience with diversity and inclusion. This essay is also optional, but will give you a chance to reflect and speak from your heart.

* If you're applying without a standardized test, we strongly recommend submitting both essays to provide a more well-rounded understanding of your experience.

Letters of Recommendation (Recommended)

Though it's not required, we suggest that you submit one or two letters of recommendation from teachers or other people in your life who can help us get to know you better as we review your application.

Recommenders can email letters to [email protected] or your admissions counselor .

What to Ask Law School Admissions Officers

Good questions to ask admissions officers are clear, open-ended and school-specific.

Ask Law School Admissions Officers This

Getty Images

Admissions officers love to talk about what sets their school apart.

Admissions officers don’t like to think of themselves as stern gatekeepers. Rather, they see themselves more like magnets, seeking to attract the right students to their school. They love to talk about what sets their school apart, and they love to help applicants make the right choices. They want to encourage applicants to apply.

Thus, law school applicants should not fear speaking with admissions officers. They should welcome opportunities to do so by visiting a school or attending online or in-person events like information sessions.

If they have a chance to participate in a live interview, they should embrace the opportunity. Typically, interviewers allow applicants to ask at least a couple of questions about the school.

To make the most of these interactions, it’s important to prepare a few questions ahead. Here are some types of questions to ask law school admissions officers:

• Questions about the law school’s specific strengths and offerings.
• Positive, open-ended questions about the law school.
• Questions that show serious intent to attend.
• Questions specific to your personal situation.
• Questions about the admissions process.

Questions About the Law School’s Specific Strengths and Offerings

Before your interview, do your homework. Read the law school website thoroughly and learn about how the school presents itself and the programs and activities it offers.

Ask questions about law school offerings that match your interests, like specializations, programs and campus activities like legal journals . Not only do such questions provide helpful information and give the interviewer a chance to brag about the law school’s selling points, but they show genuine interest.

Learn from the mistake of a candidate with whom I recently conducted a practice interview. Having worked on immigration issues in college, she expressed interest in setting up a student group on this topic and asked about the process for establishing a new campus organization.

This might have been a good question – except the school already had a legal clinic on immigration law as well as a student group related to immigration law .

Even if her proposal would be unique, I advised her to rephrase her question to show familiarity with those offerings. She then sheepishly admitted she had asked a similar question at another law school interview without first exploring its current offerings online.

Positive, Open-Ended Questions About the Law School

There is no need to flatter a school by asking about how great it is, but it can be revealing to ask interviewers to talk about their school in their own words. Use a question word like “why,” “what” or “how” to keep the question open-ended.

For example: What sets the school apart from its peers? How does the school support students seeking jobs or clerkships ? What are the most common career paths followed by your graduates?

Questions That Show Serious Intent to Attend

If you learned that in six months you would have to move to Antarctica, you would likely have many questions. Where would you live? What would you do? How would you adjust?

Likewise, if you are taking the possibility of attending a certain law school seriously, you surely have concrete questions about spending three years there. Without needing to work out all the details in advance, you might like to ask questions about the campus culture or environment or student housing arrangements . What resources are available to help first-year students succeed?

Questions Specific to Your Personal Situation

If you are a minority applicant , an LGBTQ applicant , an older applicant , an applicant with disabilities, a veteran , a parent or another applicant with specific concerns, you might ask questions about how the law school welcomes and accommodates students like you.

Indeed, you might ask to be put in touch with a similarly situated student or alumnus for a direct perspective about what your experience at the school would be like.

Questions About the Admissions Process

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask more questions about the process. Admissions officers should be able to answer questions like: How do you evaluate candidates? How can I best position myself as a candidate? What is the usual timeline for admissions decisions ?

Coming up with good questions can be challenging, but it is also a key legal skill. The practice you get as an applicant might serve you well throughout your career, from law firm interviews to witness depositions. As most lawyers would agree, knowledge comes from asking the right questions.

Tips to Boost a Law School Application

Tags: law school , graduate schools , education , students

About Law Admissions Lowdown

Law Admissions Lowdown provides advice to prospective students about the law school application process, LSAT prep and potential career paths. Previously authored by contributors from Stratus Admissions Counseling, the blog is currently authored by Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach , an admissions consultancy. Kuris is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has helped hundreds of applicants navigate the law school application process since 2003. Got a question? Email [email protected] .

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Palmer: What college students need to know about payment apps

For college students, sending money to friends has never been easier thanks to peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, PayPal and Cash App. But that convenience poses risks, including vulnerability to errors, fraud and the tendency to overspend.

As a result, payment apps can contribute to financial stress at a time when young people are learning how to manage their finances on their own. “Peer-to-peer payment apps are cash on steroids because they’re a straw stuck into your bank account,” says Anne Lester, author of “Your Best Financial Life.”

Not only does that make spending easier and more “frictionless,” Lester explains, but it also means “if you trust the wrong person, then you’re in big trouble,” because it can be difficult or impossible to get the money back.

To keep young people safe while using payment apps, money experts suggest taking these extra steps to guard against scams and overspending.

TRIPLE-CHECK THE RECIPIENT

One risk with peer-to-peer payment apps is sending the money to the wrong person by accident. “If you send money, make sure you are 100% certain you are sending it to the right person, because it’s very hard to get the money back,” says Nilton Porto, associate professor of consumer finance at the University of Rhode Island.

For college students living on tight budgets, Porto says, an incorrect payment could really impact their ability to pay for essentials like rent and food, even if they eventually get the funds returned.

PROTECT AGAINST FRAUD

Porto suggests being wary of unexpected requests, even those purportedly from a roommate, that claim to be urgent. “We don’t need to send money to almost anybody right away,” he says, explaining that scam artists often use urgency as a way to trick people into sending cash to them. Similarly, disregard any requests received through one of the apps containing a link that requests personal information, as it could also be a scam.

Erin Lowry, author of the “Broke Millennial Workbook,” warns against downloading any unfamiliar payment apps. “I would not be an early adopter to a payment app,” she cautions, given that it has access to your bank account.

As an additional precaution, Lowry suggests connecting payment apps to a bank account that you don’t keep the bulk of your money in. “My payment apps are connected to a bank account that’s not my primary account, so if something were to happen, it’s a low risk,” she says.

UPDATE YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS

“Default privacy settings are usually public,” notes Amanda Christensen, an accredited financial counselor and extension professor at Utah State University. That means a young adult’s payments to friends or funds received for a job could be visible to the public.

“The social part of the payment apps is where we get some of the best scammers out there because they can see what’s being regularly paid for,” Christensen says. To adjust who can see your activity in Venmo, for example, go into “settings” on the app and scroll to find the various “privacy” options, such as public, friends or private.

EARN A RETURN ELSEWHERE

Christensen suggests establishing a habit of transferring any balance out of payment apps once a week. “Set a note in your phone,” she says, cautioning against treating the app like a checking account, where you let money sit.

Not only is cash sitting in an app vulnerable to fraud, but it also doesn’t earn a return like it could in a savings account. Jake Cousineau, author of “How to Adult” and a high school teacher, says he sees many young people receiving payments for side jobs like tutoring through payment apps. Instead of quickly transferring the money into a savings account, they let it linger, which means losing out on interest that would otherwise be accumulating. Payment apps also generally lack the protections from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. that come with bank accounts, he adds.

DON’T FORGET TO BUDGET

The convenience of payment apps makes it easy to overspend, Christensen notes. That’s why she suggests turning to cash at times for a week or so. “Reconnect yourself to the pain of spending,” she says.

Cousineau recommends not letting “these apps get in the way of having a detailed budget.” Just because you can easily send a friend $20 with a few taps doesn’t mean you should.

The apps might even be able to help. Porto says you can use the timeline of a payment app to help track your spending. Just as with a credit or debit card, you can scroll through your history to determine what changes you might want to make in the future. “You can see where all the money went, which can be very powerful for college students,” he says.

In other words, leverage the power of these payment apps to help you manage your money, instead of just spending it.

This column was provided to The Associated Press by the personal finance website NerdWallet. Kimberly Palmer is a personal finance expert at NerdWallet and the author of “Smart Mom, Rich Mom.” Email: [email protected]. X: @KimberlyPalmer.

RELATED LINK:

NerdWallet: Top peer-to-peer payment apps: pros, cons and how to use them https://bit.ly/nerdwallet-peer-to-peer-money-transfers

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