Ever heard of Ivy Day? It’s like the Super Bowl of college admissions, where all eight Ivy League schools throw open their acceptance doors at the same time. Think of it as the ultimate “Will they? Won’t they?” moment for everyone who’s ever dreamed of attending an Ivy League school.
Now, you know these schools are competitive, right? Like, fiercely, teeth-clenchingly competitive. So imagine the collective breath-holding when they all release their decisions on the same day! It’s usually late March or early April, but the exact date changes every year, just to keep things interesting.
This blog is your one-stop shop for all things Ivy Day. We’ll discuss the history, the emotions (from pure joy to existential dread), and even some tips for navigating the post-decision rollercoaster. Because, let’s be honest, whether you get that acceptance letter or not, there’s bound to be some serious feelings involved.
What Is Ivy Day?
Ivy day is an annual ceremony in which all eight Ivy League institutions—Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Penn, and Yale—simultaneously reveal their admissions decisions for first-year applicants joining that fall.
But this day holds significance only for those who applied via “regular decision,” not “early action” or “early decision,” to at least one Ivy. If you went the early route, congratulations; you already received your answer around December!
For the rest, Ivy Day arrives at its designated time, usually 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. Eastern time. Online portals flicker with anticipation, holding the key to academic dreams. Will acceptance letters light up screens, or will waitlists and denials cast a temporary shadow?
This tradition has a history. Originally, Ivy Day referred to a ceremony where a stone inscribed with ivy was placed on campus buildings, symbolizing academic prowess. This “planting the ivy” ritual still resonates with the significance of Ivy Day—honoring excellence and welcoming new generations.
Now, however, it’s the shared release of decisions that defines Ivy Day. This synchronicity stems from the Ivy League’s common educational philosophies and a desire for fairness.
When is Ivy Day 2024?
This year, Ivy Day is March 28, 2024(Thursday). In 2023, the big day arrived on March 30th, while in 2022, it was March 31st. Ivy Day, the day when all eight Ivy League schools release their regular decision admissions results, typically falls in late March or early April each year.
Both years saw a record surge in applications, likely driven by the growing adoption of test-optional policies by Ivy League institutions. This means standardized test scores were not mandatory for applicants, potentially broadening the applicant pool and leading to the observed increase.
However, if you opted for an early decision or early action at a specific Ivy school, you would have received your admissions decision much earlier, typically in December or January.
We know you’re probably dying to know the 2024 date, but hold your horses! It’s still a bit early. We’ll keep you posted!
This table chronologically presents Ivy Day dates throughout the years.
| Year | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Thursday, March 30 | 5 pm ET |
| 2022 | Friday, March 31 | 7 pm ET |
| 2021 | Thursday, April 6 | 7 pm ET |
| 2020 | Sunday, March 26 | 7 pm ET |
| 2019 | Tuesday, March 28 | 5 pm ET |
| 2018 | Tuesday, March 28 | 7 pm ET |
Note: Due to the high volume of traffic on results day, school websites can experience crashes and long loading periods. To avoid the frustration of waiting, consider checking back later when the traffic subsides. Alternatively, you can try accessing the results on a different device or through a mobile app (if available).
What Should You Do After Ivy Day?
As you wait for the news, your heart might pound with a mix of anticipation and dread. When the email arrives, a wave of emotions will inevitably wash over you. But remember, whatever the outcome, Ivy Day is just one chapter in your story. Let’s explore what each possibility might hold:
You Got Accepted
Congratulations! Getting accepted into a top Ivy League school is a remarkable accomplishment, considering their acceptance rates hover around 4%. This is a moment to celebrate, but it’s also important to take a step back and carefully consider your next move. Before jumping into a decision, take some time to
- Review the financial aid package: Ivy League schools can be expensive, so ensure the financial aid offered makes attending feasible for you.
- Evaluate other acceptance offers: You might have received offers from other great schools, both within and outside the Ivy League. Compare their programs, financial aid packages, and overall atmosphere to see if any align better with your goals and preferences.
Once you’ve carefully weighed your options and feel 100% confident about this Ivy League school, respond with an enthusiastic YES! Your acceptance means a lot to them, so a sincere response is appreciated. This typically involves signing documents and submitting them. Most Ivy League schools require deposits around May 1st but double-check with your chosen school for their specific deadline.
You Were Waitlisted
Being waitlisted can feel like purgatory: neither accepted nor rejected, just floating in a state of uncertainty. While it doesn’t spell doom, it certainly comes with its share of stress. So, what’s a hopeful Ivy League applicant to do?
- Accept the Waitlist: If your heart is set on this school, express your continued interest through a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to the regional admissions officer. Highlight what makes you a perfect fit beyond your application and keep it concise (one page!). But remember, waiting can mean months of uncertainty.
- Secure Your Backup: Don’t let waiting derail your plans. Consider your second-choice school seriously, especially if their decision nears the start of the semester. Make a deposit to secure your spot, knowing it might be forfeited if you get off the waitlist.
Ivy League waitlists are tight, with acceptance rates often in the single digits. Manage your expectations and keep your backup plan strong.
You Were Rejected
It’s natural to feel a sting of disappointment, sadness, or even anger if your top-choice school, especially an Ivy League institution, denies you admission. The admissions process is incredibly competitive, and even many brilliant students with impressive credentials face rejection. In fact, approximately 96% of applicants to Harvard, Princeton, and Yale don’t get in! That’s only a 4% acceptance rate.
The good news is that there are countless colleges beyond the Ivy League, each offering unique strengths and opportunities. If you apply to a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools, you’ll likely have several acceptances to consider.
The key is to shift your focus from the “no” to the exciting possibilities awaiting you at the schools that said “yes.” Make a list comparing the pros and cons of each accepted institution, considering factors like academic fit, financial aid, campus culture, and your personal aspirations.
Yocket is also here to assist you every step of the way!
From the Desk of Yocket
Ivy Day carries significant meanings, both steeped in tradition and anticipation. High school seniors refer to the day when all eight Ivy League universities release their admissions decisions for regular decision applicants. It’s a date etched in calendars. Acceptance brings joyous elation, while rejection, though undoubtedly a blow, is often met with introspection and the realization that one’s worth and potential reside far beyond a single admissions verdict.
Ivy Day 2024 is expected to fall on 28 March 2024(Thursday). As with previous years, decisions from Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale will arrive simultaneously, typically around 5 pm Eastern Time. Remember, whether you receive an acceptance, rejection, or waitlist notification, it’s crucial to maintain perspective. These eight prestigious institutions, while undeniably esteemed, represent just one path on your vast educational journey.
Ask Our Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ivy Day?
Ivy Day typically occurs in late March or early April. However, the exact date can vary slightly from year to year. For example, in 2023, Ivy Day was on March 30th.
What is Ivy Day?
Ivy Day refers to the day when all eight Ivy League schools release their regular decision admissions decisions. It’s a time of great anticipation and excitement for applicants as they finally learn whether they have been accepted, waitlisted, or rejected.
What happens on Ivy Day?
On Ivy Day, the Ivy League schools release their admissions decisions online at around the same time. Applicants can check their decision status by logging into their online portal. Some schools may also send an email notification.
