When Is Ivy Day?

College admissions season is a complex and competitive process, especially for Ivy League schools. Take it from someone who attended Columbia University: The application is every bit as intimidating as they say it is.

What you may not know is that applying wasn't the hardest part—it was the waiting. The anxiety of anticipating admissions decisions weighed heavily on me until I learned about Ivy Day.

To be honest, I didn't know what Ivy Day was because I'd never heard about it before. I'd been in the dark for months before realizing I didn't need to be, which is why it's important that I share what I know now.

The goal of today’s article is to ensure you know everything there is to know about Ivy Day, including:

• What Ivy Day is
• When Ivy Day 2025 is
• Ways to prepare for Ivy Day
• How to handle admission, rejection, and waitlisting

So, if you've applied to an Ivy League, your day will soon come. Understanding the timeline for admissions decisions can do wonders for stress and allow you to make the most of your time at high school before you head into your first fall semester as an official Ivy League student. Now, let's get started!

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When Is Ivy Day?

Ivy Day usually falls at the end of March, on a Thursday or Friday evening, between 5 PM and 7 PM Eastern Time. However, the exact date for Ivy Day change from year to year, and, unfortunately, the schools don’t always announce it far in advance.

For example:

• In 2024, Ivy Day was on March 28
• In 2023, it was on March 30

This year Ivy Day 2025 falls on Thursday March 27. This means eight of the top Ivy League schools in the country will send out their acceptances to thousands of students all over the world. So it’s a good idea to keep checking your email or the school's website for the schools you've applied to.

Something to consider: apply to multiple Ivy League schools. This way, when decisions are released, you will receive all notices on the same day, which helps keep the college admissions process consistent and prevents any one school from gaining an advantage.

What is Ivy Day?

The term "Ivy Day" originated from an annual ceremony where students placed an ivy stone on a building to honor the graduates of Bowdoin College in 1865.

However, over time, Ivy Day transitioned into what we now know as the day when all eight Ivy League schools release their regular decision admissions results at the same time. These schools include:

• Harvard
• Yale
• Princeton
• Columbia
• University of Pennsylvania
• Dartmouth
• Brown
• Cornell

All eight Ivy League universities share the same admissions decision date and time, which lands in late March or early April.

Recommended: What are Ivy League schools?

Ivy League Universities Ranked

Getting the Ivy League college experience means knowing the true meaning of academic excellence, but it's no secret how competitive the admissions process is. Here is a list of the hardest to easiest Ivies to get into, according to yearly acceptance rates:

Why Are These Rates So Low?

I know those acceptance rates are not so optimistic, but that makes these schools the most elite in the world. There are a few factors that contribute to their highly competitive nature, like:​

• Increased Applications: More and more students apply each year to these schools, leading to a larger pool of applicants.​
• Higher Standards: The Ivies have high academic and extracurricular expectations for their applicants/students.​
• Holistic Review: Admissions decisions consider factors other than grades and standardized test scores, such as personal essays, recommendations, and background.​

Learn how to write a personal statement for college.

What to Expect on Ivy Day

Ivy Day is one of the most highly anticipated days of the year for students. It's the day when all eight Ivy League schools release their regular decision results in late March, around 5 PM or 7 PM EST. Today, students can expect to log into each college’s application portal to receive their admissions decisions.

Here are some things you can expect on Ivy Day:

• Website traffic
• Delays
• Active group chats
• A range of emotions
• Tension in the air

It’s important to stay as grounded as possible throughout this journey. Lean on your support system when necessary and check in with yourself. Ivy Day is just one step in your college journey, so remember: your future is full of opportunity, no matter what.

What to Do on Ivy Day

Ivy Day can be full of emotions for students who are waiting on the edge of their seats for their results. Between waiting and not knowing, it's very easy for anyone to lose their cool. However, I believe students should be prepared for different Ivy Day scenarios, whether their letter says accepted, rejected, or waitlisted.

Here are some things to do on Ivy Day:

• Stay calm (easier said than done, I know)
• Check your portals
• Have a support system (i.e., friends, family, etc.)
• Remember: no matter what happens, your worth is not defined by an admissions letter.

College admissions decisions are primarily released online, but also via postal mail. Applicants can access their decisions through their school-specific applicant portals, but beware: heavy online traffic can slow systems down, create glitches, and even possibly delay the sending of results.

Ivy League Decisions and Acceptance Rates

Ivy Decisions refer to the admissions results released by the eight Ivy League schools (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, UPenn, Brown, Dartmouth, and Cornell). These decisions come out on Ivy Day, usually in late March, and include the results for regular decision applicants.

Acceptance rates at Ivy League schools are extremely low and have gotten even more competitive in recent years. Most Ivies have acceptance rates below 8%, and schools like Harvard and Columbia often admit fewer than 5% of applicants.

This means thousands of highly qualified students apply, but only a small number are admitted. But don’t let the numbers discourage you. These schools are attainable to everyone, and if it's not meant for you, there are plenty of other amazing colleges out there!

Next Steps for Ivy Day Decisions

Congrats for making it this far with me! After receiving your admissions decisions, what's next? I'll tell you.

• If accepted: applicants should take the next steps recommended by the school to secure their spot. This may include formally accepting their offer and declining other acceptance letters.
• If waitlisted: follow up with the school(s) and express your continued interest. Admissions boards like students who show interest in their institutions. Not only does this demonstrate your determination for a top education, but it also makes you stand out amongst other applicants.
• If rejected: you should consider other college options and weigh their choices carefully.

Preparing for Ivy Day

Sitting around and waiting for decisions to hit your email will only get you so far. Preparing for Ivy Day can keep you in the know and ahead of the game. Here are some ways to prep for the big day:

• Research your top schools of choice
• Understand the admissions process
• Prepare for different scenarios

You should also take the time to consider and compare factors like:

• Financial aid packages
• Academic programs
• Campus life

Most importantly, remain proud of yourself. Applying to an Ivy League school means you've done the work to make it this far, which is no easy feat. It's the Ivy League! It takes lots of studying, dedication, and sacrifice to reach these kinds of academic heights. Keep your eyes on the prize, you're almost there.

Check out our article on how to find scholarships in 2025.

Support and Resources

Student support and resources are available to help students and applicants navigate the college admissions process. Many Ivy League schools offer various resources, like financial and academic support, to help applicants succeed.

Applicants can also seek guidance from college counselors, the admissions department, and online resources. Understanding the support and resources available will help you make informed decisions, which can possibly increase your chances of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ivy Day 2025

What is Ivy Day?

Ivy Day is the day when all eight top universities in the country release their regular decision admissions results. This year, Ivy Day 2025 lands on March 27. As one of the most highly anticipated days of the year for students all over the world, applicants should try to remain calm and remember, no matter what, you are not defined by your results--even if you are waitlisted.

What is the easiest Ivy League college to get into?

According to annual acceptance rates, Cornell University is the "easiest" Ivy League school to get into. This is not to say your grades, GPA, and other curriculars do not matter. This means that Cornell admits a higher percentage of students into its programs than other schools. So, be sure to stay focused and on track with your studies to have a shot at your dream school.

What can I expect on Ivy Day?

With Ivy Day being such an important day for applicants, it's easy to drown in the anxiety and stress of waiting and wondering. That's why I think it's best to keep your mind sharp and anticipate things like website traffic, results delays, and active group chats. So, hang tight—you're almost there!

To learn more about how to graduate debt-free, full-ride scholarships, and more, check out more blog posts on our blog!