As the end of March approaches, more seniors are hearing back from universities and colleges, needing to prepare to commit by May 1, which is National College Decisions Day.
Many universities have already released decisions to students through their applicant portals. Students may create their accounts after applying and log in to see their decisions. Other applicants are directly emailed their decisions.
Some colleges release official decision dates, which inform students about when they will hear back. Other colleges randomly release decisions. Many attempt to have decisions released by April 1, so students may review their financial aid offers and commit to schools before May 1.
On May 1, 2025, students must put deposits down for National College Decisions Day. The nonrefundable deposits secure prospective students’ spots at their school of choice. If a student chooses to switch colleges after May 1, they forfeit their previous deposit.
Many seniors may be placed on waitlists, which potentially allows a student admission to a college if spaces become available. Oftentimes, students must accept their place on the waitlist to remain considered following their decisions.
Waitlist acceptance rates greatly vary year to year and depend on the college. Some waitlists may rank their applicants, giving priority to certain students, while other schools will reevaluate the applicant pool. Students should also consider when they are expected to hear back. Some schools may have a deadline, while others may wait until late summer.
Students who applied early action or early decision have already received their decisions from universities. For all other regular decision applicants, universities typically release decisions from February to March, with a few continuing into April.
Ian Song (12) says, “I think it is unwise for people to commit too early. I think people should wait because there are a lot of colleges that will be releasing later on.”
Colleges that are on a rolling basis continuously release decisions throughout the month in waves. The Cal States follow this principle and, depending on the school, release decisions based on major, GPA or other factors. So far, most Cal States and six UC campuses have released decisions to students.
Sana Hakkimi (12) says, “The application and decision process feels like a very stressful time, but I am glad to know where my friends are going and I am glad that most decisions have come back so I am no longer worrying.”
Another date to note is March 27, “Ivy Day,” when the eight Ivy League colleges choose to release their decisions to seniors. During this day, students can expect to hear back around 4 p.m. EST.
Many students may feel discouraged applying to colleges due to impaction that has been occurring at many UC and state schools. Impaction can occur in schools or majors where there are more qualified applicants than spots, making the programs increasingly competitive. Some common impacted majors at California schools include engineering, nursing, computer science, business and select science majors.
As decisions have been rolling back, many students have begun to consider committing for the 2025-2026 school year, while others are waiting on a few more universities.
