Loading
The wait after submitting applications is nerve-wracking — and the timing depends entirely on how you applied. Here's a clear map of when college decisions arrive, plus the deadlines that matter once they do.
Early Decision (ED) & Early Action (EA)
Decisions ~DecemberYou apply in early-to-mid November, and decisions usually arrive in mid-December. ED is binding (you commit if admitted); EA is not. Some schools also offer ED II with a January deadline and February decision.
Regular Decision (RD)
Decisions Feb–MarchDeadlines are typically January 1–February, and decisions arrive from late February through late March — many on "Ivy Day" in late March for the most selective schools. The bulk of applicants hear back in this window.
Rolling admission
Decisions ongoingSchools review applications as they arrive and send decisions on a rolling basis, often within weeks. Apply early — spots and aid can fill up, and earlier applicants tend to hear back (and benefit) sooner.
Priority & deferral outcomes
VariesSome schools have a "priority" deadline for the best aid or scholarship consideration. And if you were deferred from an early round, your application moves into the regular pool and you'll hear with RD applicants.
May 1 is National College Decision Day
For most colleges, you have until May 1 to accept an offer and pay your enrollment deposit. That gives you time to compare admission and aid offers before committing — don't decide before you've seen the money.
Aid offers may arrive separately from admission
Getting in and learning what you'll pay are two different notifications. Financial aid offers sometimes come a bit after the admission decision. Wait for the aid offer before you compare or commit.
Waitlist movement happens after May 1
If you're waitlisted, most movement happens in May and June as colleges see who enrolled. Stay enrolled (and deposited) somewhere you'd be happy while you wait — never pass up a sure option for a maybe.
The most expensive mistake in this window is depositing at a school before its financial aid offer arrives, or before comparing offers from other schools. You usually have until May 1 — use it to weigh real net costs, not just acceptances.
Make the most of the wait: know what to do after you apply, handle a deferral or waitlist, and compare offers with the decision tool.