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The anticipation of hearing back from universities can be one of the most stressful parts of the college application process. After months of preparation and waiting, students eagerly await news on whether they have been accepted, waitlisted, or denied. Understanding when universities announce their admissions decisions can help reduce some of this anxiety and allow students to plan accordingly.

Regular Decision Timelines

For students applying under regular decision, universities typically release their admissions decisions in the spring. The exact date can vary by school, but most universities in the United States announce their decisions between March and April.

Many schools aim to release their admissions decisions by April 1st, although it’s not uncommon for some schools to notify applicants slightly earlier or later in the month. Students will typically receive an official notification via email or through the admissions portal, with letters being sent out soon after.

It’s important to remember that even though most universities announce their decisions in March or April, exact dates vary, and many schools will list their release dates on their admissions website. This is a great place to check for specific details so you know when to expect an official update.

Early Decision and Early Action Timelines

For students who apply under early decision (ED) or early action (EA), the timeline is different. These applicants typically submit their applications in the fall—often by November 1st—and hear back earlier than regular decision applicants.

Early decision applicants usually receive their admissions decisions in December, typically around mid-December. This is also the case for early action applicants, although early action may not be binding, meaning students who are accepted still have time to apply to other schools.

Some schools may release decisions in early December, while others might extend the timeline to the end of the month. However, regardless of the exact timing, students who apply through early decision or early action can expect to hear back much sooner than those applying through regular decision.

Rolling Admissions Timelines

Some universities use rolling admissions, a process that allows students to apply and receive their decisions throughout the application cycle, rather than on a specific date. With rolling admissions, universities review applications as they are submitted and typically provide decisions within a few weeks of receiving an application.

While rolling admissions schools may not have a set date for releasing decisions, students can generally expect to hear back soon after submitting their applications, with the process continuing throughout the fall and winter months. This system allows students more flexibility in applying to multiple schools, as they can receive admissions decisions on a rolling basis.

It’s important to note that while the decisions for rolling admissions are spread out over several months, there are usually deadlines for submitting applications to ensure consideration for the upcoming academic year. However, students are encouraged to apply early to maximize their chances of receiving a favorable decision.

Waitlist Notification Timelines

For students placed on a waitlist, the timeline is a bit more uncertain. Universities usually notify waitlisted students in the spring, often by April or May, after the initial round of admissions decisions have been released. However, being placed on a waitlist doesn’t guarantee that students will eventually be offered admission. Waitlisted students may not hear back until later in the summer, depending on how many spots remain open after admitted students confirm their attendance.

Waitlist decisions can be stressful, as students are essentially left in limbo until the final decisions are made, and many schools do not provide a set timeline for when waitlisted students will hear back.

International Applicants

For international students applying to U.S. universities, the admissions process follows a similar timeline to that of domestic students. However, international applicants may need to plan ahead for extra processing time, especially if additional documentation, like visa applications, is required. International students may also receive their admissions decisions in March or April, depending on whether they apply for early decision, regular decision, or rolling admissions.

It’s essential for international applicants to stay aware of the deadlines and make sure all required documents are submitted in a timely manner. International students should also check with individual universities for specific application requirements and timelines, as they may vary by school.

How to Stay Informed

The best way to stay informed about when a university will announce its admissions decisions is to regularly check the school’s official admissions website. Universities typically post their application timelines and decision release dates in advance, so students can prepare accordingly. Students should also monitor their email inbox for any notifications from the admissions office, as many schools will send out email updates when decisions are available.

Finally, some schools have specific portals where students can check their admissions status and view their decision once it has been made. Make sure you know how to access these portals, and stay on top of any information you may need to know.