Navigating Decision Dates: Ivy Day, UC Results & More

February 12, 2025 :: Admissionado

The Moment of Truth

You’ve spent months—maybe years—perfecting your applications, sweating over essays, and second-guessing every little detail of your profile. Now, after all the hard work, it’s finally out of your hands.

But when do college decisions actually come out?

Whether you’re anxiously awaiting Ivy Day, UC results, or your dream school’s regular decision, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about key decision release dates for 2025.

Ivy Day 2025: The Big Reveal

What is Ivy Day?

It’s the day when all eight Ivy League schools release their regular decision results at the same time, triggering a collective internet meltdown of celebration, heartbreak, and a flood of acceptance reaction videos.

When is Ivy Day 2025?

Historically, Ivy Day falls on the last Thursday of March. Based on past trends, expect it around March 27, 2025.

What time do Ivy League decisions come out?

The magic hour is usually 5:00 PM ET, though some schools have been known to drop results a little later—just to keep you on edge a little longer.

Regular Decision Release Dates for Top Colleges (2025)

While exact dates can shift, most top colleges release decisions between mid-March and early April. Here’s what to expect for 2025:

Harvard — Late March
Stanford — Late March
MIT — Mid-March
Yale — Late March
Princeton — Late March
Columbia — Late March
Duke — Late March
Northwestern — Late March
UChicago — Late March
UPenn — Late March
Johns Hopkins — Late March
NYU — Late March/Early April
Vanderbilt — Late March
Georgetown — Early April
Carnegie Mellon — Late March

Pro Tip: Some schools release decisions in waves, meaning your portal might not update right away. If nothing changes immediately, don’t panic—just be patient.

UC Decision Dates 2025

The University of California system releases decisions on a rolling basis throughout March, with most campuses notifying applicants by mid-to-late March. Here’s the expected timeline for 2025:

UC Berkeley — Late March
UCLA — Late March
UC San Diego — Mid-March
UC Davis — Mid-March
UC Irvine — Mid-March
UC Santa Barbara — Mid-March
UC Santa Cruz — Mid-March
UC Riverside — Early March
UC Merced — Early March

What time do UC decisions come out?

Typically late afternoon or evening (Pacific Time), though exact times vary by campus. If you don’t see an update right away, give it a few hours before refreshing again.

Rolling & Early Decision Schools: When to Expect News

Not all colleges stick to a fixed decision day. Some schools release decisions on a rolling basis, while others have multiple early rounds. Here’s what to expect:

Rolling Admissions Schools – Universities like Michigan, Penn State, and UIUC review applications as they come in, meaning some students hear back as early as December, while others may wait until March or April. The earlier you apply, the sooner you’re likely to get a decision.
Early Decision II & Late Early Action Schools – Schools with ED II and later EA rounds, such as NYU, Vanderbilt, and Emory, typically release decisions in mid-February.

If you’re waiting on a rolling decision, keep an eye on your portal—some schools don’t send emails right away. For ED II and EA rounds, expect a set release date but be ready for late afternoon or evening notifications.

Decision Day Survival Guide

When the big day arrives, emotions will be running high. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a little of both, keep these tips in mind:

Step away from the refresh button. Your portal will update when it’s ready—no amount of refreshing will speed it up. Save yourself the stress.
Have a Plan B and Plan C. Options are a good thing. If things don’t go as planned, give yourself time to process, then focus on your next steps.
Remember: A rejection is NOT a measure of your potential. College admissions are unpredictable, and one decision doesn’t define your future. You are more than a single acceptance or rejection.

No matter the outcome, you’ve worked hard to get here—and that’s something to be proud of.

Final Steps: What Happens After You Get Your Decisions?

Now that the decisions are in, here’s what comes next:

You have until May 1 (National College Decision Day) to choose your school. Take your time, compare financial aid offers, and visit campuses if possible. This is a big decision—make sure it feels right.
Got waitlisted? Don’t just sit back and hope. You can boost your chances with a Letter of Continued Interest and demonstrated enthusiasm.
No matter what happens, you’re heading somewhere incredible. Whether it’s your dream school or a path you hadn’t expected, your college journey is just beginning—and that’s what truly matters.