Class of 2029 Regular Decision Notification Dates

Backdrop to the Class of 2029 Admissions Cycle

The class of 2029 application cycle comes at a time of historically low acceptance rates at the most selective US colleges and universities. In addition, a number of high-profile US institutions have re-instated SAT/ACT test requirements for admissions just in the last year or two.

This admissions cycle also marks the second year of admissions decision-making in the wake of the landmark 2023 Supreme Court ban on the use of race-based preferences for college admissions.

This is the background for regular decision admissions notifications and acceptance letters for students applying to join the Class of 2029, but when will you actually get your notification from your prospective universities?

Keep reading to learn about notification dates for your applications, and about what to do after you're notified.

Regular Decision Notification Dates for the Class of 2029

Regular decision notifications will go out to students between late February and early April, but the notification dates vary by institution.

The busiest time for notifications is from mid-March and the end of March.

Ivy Day 2025

This is also true for the Ivy League schools, all of which traditionally send out their regular decision notifications on Ivy Day, which is expected to fall on March 26th or 27th in 2025. Traditionally all eight Ivies release their notifications together, at 7 PM Eastern Time on the agreed upon date.

National College Decision Day

The general timeline for regular decision notifications is intended to allow students sufficient time to make their final college choice, before the National College Decision Day (aka National Candidate Reply Date) on May 1st.

The dates below have been sourced from official school websites (unless otherwise noted), but may still be subject to change. Remember to closely monitor the official websites and communications from your prospective institutions for exact release dates and any updates.

Managing the Wait... Mindset and Staying Positive

The weeks leading up to decision day can be filled with both excitement and nerves. It's completely normal to feel anxious about the results. Here are some tips to help you manage the wait:

• Acknowledge Anxiety: Don't try to bottle up your feelings. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about your worries. Simply acknowledging your anxiety can help lessen its intensity.
• Staying Grounded: It's easy to get caught up in endless speculation, but resist the urge to obsess over every possible outcome. Focus on what you can control — maintain your commitments to schoolwork, stay involved in activities you enjoy, and spend quality time with your support system.
• Prepare for All Outcomes: While hope is important, preparing for different scenarios can be just as valuable. Be realistic about your chances and embrace the fact that other incredible opportunities exist, regardless of the final decisions..

Remember, even the most qualified students sometimes face rejections. These outcomes don't diminish your worth or negate your accomplishments. Whatever your outcomes in the regular decision notification round, be proud of the effort you've put in, and know that your path to higher education will continue even if it takes an unexpected turn.

Admission Day Decisions & What To Do Next

The outcomes of university applications can vary depending on the application type and the university's admission policies. Here are the most common outcomes and what to do if you receive each:

• Offer of Admission: Congratulations! Carefully review any enclosed material, make sure to compare financial aid packages across colleges, and decide on your top choice by the stated deadline.
• Conditional Offer: Pay close attention to the stated requirements (completing courses, achieving a certain GPA, etc.). Meet these requirements to secure your spot at the university.
• Waitlist: Express your continued interest in attending. Consider sending updated information like a new letter of recommendation or highlighting recent accomplishments. Be patient and understand there's no guarantee of an offer.
• Deferral: This usually applies for early round admissions, and means you'll be re-evaluated in the regular decision round. Double-check for any instructions given by the university as you may be asked to submit additional transcripts or other documents.
• Denial: It's understandable to be disappointed. Remember though, sought-after universities need to turn down many qualified applicants every year, so it's not a measure of your talent, promise, or abilities. As the saying goes, focusing on a disappointment means failing to see the new doors that life is opening! Hopefully a target or safety school opens a door, but if you don't like your options, it's a good time to regroup with your Crimson strategist to make an inspiring and personalized plan, such as how to make the most of a gap year or mapping out other awesome ways to achieve beyond your expectations as you persevere on your college journey!

Important Note: Each university has its own policies, so carefully read all communications for specific instructions based on your decision outcome.

Final Thoughts

As you anticipate the release of the Class of 2029 regular decision notifications, know that the seeds of success were planted years beforehand. And, if you don't get the outcome you hoped for, shift your focus to other university destinations and opportunities.

Are you seeking early college planning, high school guidance, or expert tips on crafting your college essay to build a competitive application? Crimson Education's experienced counselors are ready to help. Schedule your free consultation today and let's work together to ensure you're charting a path to universities that live up to your true potential and highest expectations.