When do Admissions Acceptance Letters Arrive?

I submitted my applications a while back, and I'm kinda stressed about when the acceptance letters will start rolling in. When do colleges typically send out their decisions? Thanks in advance!

Decisions usually arrive on different dates for each college, and it can depend on whether you applied Early Decision (ED), Early Action (EA), Regular Decision (RD), or Rolling Admission. Here's a general timeline to help you understand when you can expect to receive your acceptance letters:

1. Early Decision & Early Action: If you applied ED or EA, the decisions usually come out in mid-December. Some schools may release decisions slightly earlier or later, so it's best to check the specific college's website for their decision release date.

2. Regular Decision: For RD applicants, decision notifications are generally sent between late March and early April. You'll likely receive decisions by April 1st, as this date is widely-accepted among colleges as a deadline for notifying applicants. However, some colleges may release decisions a bit earlier or later. It's important to note that highly selective schools tend to release decisions on a specific date, which can be found on their respective websites.

3. Rolling Admissions: Colleges with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they come in and make decisions on a continuous basis. Typically, these schools will inform applicants of their decision within 4-6 weeks after receiving the completed application. However, the exact time frame can vary by institution.

4. Waitlisted Students: If you're waitlisted at a college, the notification date for receiving an acceptance letter is less predictable. It could range from late April to the beginning of the fall semester. It's best to have a backup plan in case you aren't ultimately accepted off the waitlist.

Make sure to check your application portals frequently, as communication is often done through these platforms. In addition, keep an eye on your email inbox, including the spam folder, for any notifications from the colleges you applied to. Wishing you the best of luck on your college decisions!