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2026-2027 Admissions Calendar · Fall 2027 Entry

College Application Deadlines 2026-2027: ED, EA, REA and Regular Decision for 403 Colleges

Every Early Decision, Early Action, Restrictive Early Action and Regular Decision deadline for 403 U.S. colleges, plus 1161 insider deadlines most families miss (merit scholarships, honors colleges, BS/MD and specialized programs, auditions, interviews and aid forms) and each school’s SAT/ACT policy for Fall 2027. Every date comes from the college’s own website.

By Jeremy Fine, Founder of ConnectPrep

Updated October 9, 2026 · Verified October 6 to 9, 2026

✓ 403 colleges checked on official sites

Quick answer

For students applying in fall 2026 to start college in Fall 2027, most Early Decision and Early Action deadlines are November 1 or November 15, 2026, with some moved to November 2 because November 1 is a Sunday. Early Decision II and most Regular Decision deadlines fall between January 1 and January 15, 2027, and the University of California closes on November 30, 2026.[1] Scholarship, honors, combined medical, arts and interview deadlines are often earlier, starting October 1, and at many universities applying Regular Decision removes a student from merit scholarship consideration entirely.

403

Colleges verified on official sites

187

Offer Early Decision I

247

Offer Early Action

37

Require the SAT or ACT for Fall 2027

1161

Insider deadlines and rules verified

492

Insider deadlines that fall before Regular Decision

On this page

  1. Deadlines by region
  2. Find any college
  3. Key dates for 2026-27
  4. Insider rules RD applicants miss
  5. BS/MD and medical programs
  6. SAT and ACT policies
  7. ED vs EA vs REA
  8. FAQs
  9. Sources

Deadlines by Region

Each regional page has the full database for its colleges, with every round, testing policy and insider deadline, plus a finder for scholarships, honors, programs, auditions and interviews that close before Regular Decision.

Northeast105 collegesConnecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont87 insider deadlines before RDOpen Northeast deadlinesMid-Atlantic70 collegesNew Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia and West Virginia93 insider deadlines before RDOpen Mid-Atlantic deadlinesSouth86 collegesthe Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma136 insider deadlines before RDOpen South deadlinesMidwest71 collegesOhio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakotas120 insider deadlines before RDOpen Midwest deadlinesWest71 collegesCalifornia, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii56 insider deadlines before RDOpen West deadlines

Find Any College

All 403 colleges at a glance. Search by name or state; click a college to open its full row, with insider deadlines, on its regional page.

Showing 403 of 403 colleges

College ED I Early Action Regular Region
Adelphi UniversityNY None Nov 1 Rolling (priority Mar 1) Northeast
Agnes Scott CollegeGA Nov 1 Nov 15 (EA I); Jan 15 (EA II) Mar 15 South
University of AlabamaAL None None Dec 4 (priority deadline); rolling after South
University of Alabama at BirminghamAL None None Rolling (priority Jun 1; scholarship deadline Jan 15 in-state, May 1 out-of-state) South
University of Alaska FairbanksAK None None Jun 15 West
Allegheny CollegePA Nov 1 Dec 1 Feb 15 Mid-Atlantic
American UniversityDC Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Amherst CollegeMA Full profile Nov 9 None Jan 5 Northeast
Appalachian State UniversityNC None None Rolling (priority Nov 15) South
University of ArizonaAZ None Nov 1 Rolling (space available after Nov 1) West
Arizona State UniversityAZ None None Rolling (priority admission date Nov 1; regular admission date Jan 15) West
University of ArkansasAR None None Rolling (priority Nov 1; final Aug 1) South
Auburn UniversityAL None Sep 15 (EA Round 1); Oct 15 (EA Round 2); Nov 15 (EA Round 3); Dec 1 (EA Round 4, final) Feb 1 South
Augustana College (Illinois)IL Nov 1 Nov 1 Apr 1 Midwest
Austin CollegeTX None Nov 1 (EA I); Feb 1 (EA II) Mar 1 South
Babson CollegeMA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 2 Northeast
Bard CollegeNY Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Barnard CollegeNY Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 1 Northeast
Baruch College (CUNY)NY None None Rolling (priority Feb 1) Northeast
Bates CollegeME Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 10 Northeast
Baylor UniversityTX Nov 1 Nov 1 Feb 1 South
Belmont UniversityTN None Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Mar 1 South
Beloit CollegeWI None Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Jan 15 (preferred) Midwest
Bennington CollegeVT Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 10 Northeast
Bentley UniversityMA Nov 15 None Jan 15 Northeast
Berea CollegeKY None Nov 1 (EA I); Jan 31 (EA II) Mar 31 South
Berklee College of MusicMA None Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Binghamton UniversityNY Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Boston CollegeMA Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 4 Northeast
Boston UniversityMA Full profile Nov 2 None Jan 5 Northeast
Bowdoin CollegeME Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 5 Northeast
Bradley UniversityIL None Nov 1 Feb 1 (Regular Notification); rolling after Midwest
Brandeis UniversityMA Full profile Nov 3 Nov 3 Jan 15 Northeast
Brigham Young UniversityUT None None Dec 15 (final); early deadline Nov 2 West
Brown UniversityRI Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 5 Northeast
Bryant UniversityRI None Nov 15 Feb 1 Northeast
Bryn Mawr CollegePA Nov 15 None Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Bucknell UniversityPA Nov 1 None Jan 10 Mid-Atlantic
Butler UniversityIN Nov 1 (Nursing only) Nov 1 Feb 1 Midwest
California Institute of TechnologyCA Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 4 West
California Institute of the ArtsCA None None Jan 5 (preferred Dec 1) West
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoCA None None Nov 30 West
California State Polytechnic University, PomonaCA None None Nov 30 West
California State University, Long BeachCA None None Nov 30 West
University of California, BerkeleyCA Full profile None None Nov 30 West
University of California, DavisCA Full profile None None Nov 30 West
University of California, IrvineCA Full profile None None Nov 30 West
University of California, Los AngelesCA Full profile None None Nov 30 West
University of California, MercedCA None None Nov 30 West
University of California, RiversideCA None None Nov 30 West
University of California, San DiegoCA Full profile None None Nov 30 West
University of California, Santa BarbaraCA Full profile None None Nov 30 West
University of California, Santa CruzCA None None Nov 30 West
Canisius UniversityNY None Dec 1 None Northeast
Carleton CollegeMN Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 15 Midwest
Carnegie Mellon UniversityPA Full profile Nov 2 None Jan 4 Mid-Atlantic
Case Western Reserve UniversityOH Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Midwest
Catholic University of AmericaDC Nov 1 Nov 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of Central FloridaFL None Oct 15 May 1 South
Centre CollegeKY Nov 1 Nov 15 Feb 1 South
Champlain CollegeVT Nov 15 Dec 15 Jan 9 Northeast
Chapman UniversityCA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
University of ChicagoIL Full profile Nov 2 Nov 2 Jan 4 Midwest
Christopher Newport UniversityVA Nov 15 Dec 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of CincinnatiOH None Nov 1 Rolling (Mar 1 deadline) Midwest
The CitadelSC None None Rolling (opens Sept 15) South
City College of New York (CUNY)NY None None Rolling (priority Feb 1) Northeast
Claremont McKenna CollegeCA Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 10 West
Clark Atlanta UniversityGA None Nov 1 Mar 1 (final deadline; rolling decisions) South
Clark UniversityMA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Clarkson UniversityNY Dec 1 None Jan 15 Northeast
Clemson UniversitySC Full profile None Oct 15 Jan 1 South
Coe CollegeIA Nov 15 Dec 10 Mar 1 Midwest
Colby CollegeME Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 4 Northeast
Colgate UniversityNY Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 15 Northeast
College of CharlestonSC Nov 2 Nov 2 Jan 15 South
The College of New JerseyNJ Nov 1 Nov 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
College of WoosterOH Nov 1 Nov 1 Feb 15 Midwest
College of the AtlanticME Nov 15 Dec 1 Feb 1 Northeast
College of the Holy CrossMA Nov 15 None Jan 15 Northeast
University of Colorado BoulderCO None Nov 15 Jan 15 West
Colorado CollegeCO Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 (Regular Action) West
Colorado School of MinesCO Full profile None Nov 1 (priority/EA) Jan 15 West
Colorado State UniversityCO None Nov 15 Jan 15 West
Columbia UniversityNY Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 1 Northeast
University of ConnecticutCT Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 15 Northeast
Connecticut CollegeCT Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Cooper UnionNY Nov 1 (Engineering); Dec 1 (Art, Architecture) None Jan 5 Northeast
Cornell CollegeIA None None Rolling (final May 1) Midwest
Cornell UniversityNY Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 2 Northeast
Creighton UniversityNE None Nov 1 None Midwest
Dartmouth CollegeNH Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 1 Northeast
Davidson CollegeNC Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 11 South
University of DaytonOH None Nov 1 Feb 1 Midwest
DePaul UniversityIL None Nov 15 Feb 1 Midwest
DePauw UniversityIN Nov 1 Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 15 (EA II) Feb 1 Midwest
University of DelawareDE None Nov 1 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Delaware State UniversityDE None Nov 2 Apr 15 (rolling to Aug 1) Mid-Atlantic
Denison UniversityOH Nov 15 None Jan 15 Midwest
University of DenverCO Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
Dickinson CollegePA Nov 15 Nov 15 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Drake UniversityIA None Dec 1 Mar 1 (priority Jan 15) Midwest
Drew UniversityNJ Nov 1 Dec 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
Drexel UniversityPA Nov 15 Nov 15 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Duke UniversityNC Full profile Nov 2 None Jan 4 South
Duquesne UniversityPA None None Rolling Mid-Atlantic
Earlham CollegeIN Nov 1 Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Feb 1 Midwest
Eckerd CollegeFL None Nov 15 Rolling (review begins Dec 1) South
Elon UniversityNC Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 10 South
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFL None None Rolling (priority Jan 15) South
Emerson CollegeMA Nov 3 Nov 3 Jan 16 Northeast
Emory UniversityGA Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 1 South
Fairfield UniversityCT Nov 15 Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY)NY None None Jan 1 (priority); Feb 1 (closeout risk) Northeast
Fisk UniversityTN None Nov 1 (EA I); Feb 1 (EA II) Jul 15 South
University of FloridaFL Full profile Oct 15 Nov 1 Jan 15 South
Florida A&M UniversityFL None Nov 1 Feb 1 (rolling to May 1) South
Florida International UniversityFL None Nov 2 Dec 16 (final Mar 2) South
Florida State UniversityFL Full profile Oct 15 Oct 15 (Florida residents only) Dec 1 (Rolling to Mar 1 after) South
Fordham UniversityNY Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 3 Northeast
Franklin & Marshall CollegePA Nov 15 None Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Furman UniversitySC Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 South
George Mason UniversityVA None Nov 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
George Washington UniversityDC Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 5 Mid-Atlantic
Georgetown UniversityDC Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of GeorgiaGA Full profile None Oct 15 Jan 1 South
Georgia College & State UniversityGA None Oct 15 Rolling (no published date) South
Georgia Institute of TechnologyGA Full profile None Oct 15 (EA I, Georgia students); Nov 2 (EA II, non-Georgia students) Jan 6 South
Georgia State UniversityGA None Nov 15 May 1 (final deadline) South
Gettysburg CollegePA Nov 1 Nov 15 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Gonzaga UniversityWA None Nov 15 Feb 1 West
Goucher CollegeMD None Nov 15 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Grinnell CollegeIA Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 15 Midwest
Gustavus Adolphus CollegeMN None Nov 1 Rolling (review begins Dec 1) Midwest
Hamilton CollegeNY Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 4 Northeast
Hampton UniversityVA None Nov 15 Mar 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of HartfordCT None Nov 15 Rolling (until programs fill) Northeast
Harvard UniversityMA Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 1 Northeast
Harvey Mudd CollegeCA Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 5 West
Haverford CollegePA Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 10 Mid-Atlantic
University of Hawaii at ManoaHI None None Jan 5 (priority); Apr 1 (final) West
Hendrix CollegeAR None Nov 15 Feb 1 South
High Point UniversityNC Nov 1 Nov 15 Feb 1 South
Hobart and William Smith CollegesNY Nov 15 Nov 15 Feb 1 Northeast
Hofstra UniversityNY None Nov 15 (EA I); Dec 15 (EA II) Rolling Northeast
Hope CollegeMI None Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 15 (EA II) Rolling after Dec 15 (merit deadline Feb 1) Midwest
University of HoustonTX None None May 31 (priority scholarship Nov 2) South
Howard UniversityDC Nov 1 Nov 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
Hunter College (CUNY)NY None None Rolling (priority Feb 1) Northeast
University of IdahoID None None Rolling West
University of Illinois ChicagoIL None Nov 2 Feb 1 Midwest
Illinois Institute of TechnologyIL Nov 1 Nov 15 Feb 1 Midwest
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignIL Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 5 Midwest
Illinois Wesleyan UniversityIL None Nov 15 Rolling (decisions mailed after Dec 15) Midwest
Indiana University BloomingtonIN Full profile None Nov 1 Feb 1 Midwest
Iona UniversityNY Dec 1 Dec 15 (EA I); Jan 15 (EA II) Feb 15 Northeast
University of IowaIA None Nov 2 Feb 1 Midwest
Iowa State UniversityIA None None Rolling (scholarship priority Mar 1) Midwest
Ithaca CollegeNY Nov 1 Dec 1 Feb 1 Northeast
Jackson State UniversityMS None None Rolling (fall priority Aug 12) South
James Madison UniversityVA None Nov 1 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
John Carroll UniversityOH None Nov 1 Feb 1 Midwest
Johns Hopkins UniversityMD Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 2 Mid-Atlantic
The Juilliard SchoolNY None None Dec 1 (Nov 2 for prescreened BFA Acting applicants) Northeast
Juniata CollegePA Nov 15 Dec 1 (EA I); Jan 15 (EA II) Mar 15 Mid-Atlantic
Kalamazoo CollegeMI Nov 15 Dec 1 Feb 1 Midwest
University of KansasKS None None Rolling (scholarship deadline Dec 1) Midwest
Kansas State UniversityKS None None No fixed deadline published Midwest
Kennesaw State UniversityGA None None Rolling (priority Nov 2; regular Jul 1) South
University of KentuckyKY None Dec 1 Feb 15 South
Kenyon CollegeOH Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 15 Midwest
Knox CollegeIL None Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Jan 15 Midwest
Lafayette CollegePA Nov 15 None Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Lake Forest CollegeIL Nov 1 Nov 1 (EA I); Jan 15 (EA II) Feb 15 Midwest
Lawrence UniversityWI Nov 1 Nov 1 (Conservatory applicants); Dec 1 Jan 15 Midwest
Le Moyne CollegeNY None Nov 1 Rolling (priority Mar 1) Northeast
Lehigh UniversityPA Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 1 Mid-Atlantic
Lewis & Clark CollegeOR Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
Louisiana State UniversityLA None None Feb 1 South
University of LouisvilleKY None None Rolling (priority Feb 15) South
Loyola Marymount UniversityCA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
Loyola University ChicagoIL None None Dec 1 (priority); rolling after as space allows Midwest
Loyola University MarylandMD Nov 15 Nov 15 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Loyola University New OrleansLA None Nov 15 Apr 15 (priority Feb 15) South
Macalester CollegeMN Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Midwest
University of MaineME None Dec 1 Mar 1 (rolling after) Northeast
Manhattan School of MusicNY None None Dec 1 (priority) Northeast
Manhattan UniversityNY Nov 15 None Rolling (priority Mar 1) Northeast
Marist UniversityNY Nov 1 Nov 15 Feb 15 Northeast
Marquette UniversityWI None Nov 15 Feb 1 Midwest
University of Mary WashingtonVA Nov 1 Nov 15 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
Maryland Institute College of ArtMD None None Feb 1 (preferred filing date) Mid-Atlantic
University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyMD None Nov 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of Maryland, College ParkMD Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 20 Mid-Atlantic
University of Massachusetts AmherstMA None Nov 5 Jan 15 Northeast
Massachusetts College of Art and DesignMA None Dec 1 Feb 15 (priority); rolling after Northeast
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMA Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 4 Northeast
McDaniel CollegeMD Nov 1 Nov 15 (EA I); Dec 15 (EA II) Feb 1 (final Jul 15, space available) Mid-Atlantic
Mercer UniversityGA None Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Feb 1 South
University of MiamiFL Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 5 South
Miami University (Ohio)OH Nov 1 Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Feb 1 Midwest
University of MichiganMI Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Feb 1 Midwest
Michigan State UniversityMI Full profile None Nov 1 Feb 1 (priority); Apr 1 (final, rolling after Feb 1) Midwest
Michigan Technological UniversityMI None Nov 1 Feb 1 (rolling after) Midwest
Middlebury CollegeVT Full profile Nov 2 None Jan 4 Northeast
Millsaps CollegeMS None Nov 15 Mar 1 (preferred) South
Milwaukee School of EngineeringWI None None No fixed deadline published Midwest
University of Minnesota Twin CitiesMN Full profile None Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Jan 1 Midwest
University of MississippiMS None None Rolling (nonresident priority Feb 1) South
Mississippi State UniversityMS None None Rolling (open until the 10th day of classes) South
University of MissouriMO None None Rolling (priority Dec 1; final Jul 1) Midwest
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyMO None None Rolling (priority Dec 1) Midwest
Monmouth UniversityNJ Nov 15 Dec 1 Mar 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of MontanaMT None Dec 1 Rolling (priority Mar 1) West
Montana State UniversityMT None None Rolling West
Montclair State UniversityNJ None Dec 1 Mar 1 Mid-Atlantic
Morehouse CollegeGA Nov 1 Dec 15 Feb 1 South
Morgan State UniversityMD None None Apr 1 (priority Dec 1) Mid-Atlantic
Mount Holyoke CollegeMA Nov 15 None Jan 15 Northeast
Muhlenberg CollegePA Nov 16 Dec 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of Nebraska-LincolnNE None None May 1 (priority Nov 1) Midwest
University of Nevada, Las VegasNV None None Jun 1 West
University of Nevada, RenoNV None Nov 15 Apr 7 West
New College of FloridaFL None Nov 1 Apr 1 (final Jul 1) South
New England ConservatoryMA None None Dec 1 Northeast
University of New HampshireNH None Nov 15 Feb 1 Northeast
New Jersey Institute of TechnologyNJ None Nov 15 (EA I); Dec 15 (EA II) Rolling (Mar 1 deadline) Mid-Atlantic
University of New MexicoNM None None Rolling (priority Jun 1) West
New Mexico Institute of Mining and TechnologyNM None None Rolling (admission by Mar 1 for merit scholarships) West
The New School (Parsons)NY Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
New York UniversityNY Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 5 Northeast
North Carolina A&T State UniversityNC None Nov 1 Feb 1 South
North Carolina Central UniversityNC None None Rolling (priority Oct 15, Nov 15, Jan 15) South
North Carolina State UniversityNC Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 15 South
University of North Carolina WilmingtonNC None Nov 1 Jan 15 South
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillNC Full profile None Oct 15 Jan 15 South
University of North Carolina at CharlotteNC None Nov 1 Feb 1 (space available after) South
University of North DakotaND None None Rolling (priority Feb 1; final Aug 15) Midwest
Northeastern UniversityMA Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 1 Northeast
Northern Arizona UniversityAZ None None Rolling West
Northwestern UniversityIL Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 4 Midwest
University of Notre DameIN Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 4 Midwest
Oberlin CollegeOH Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Midwest
Occidental CollegeCA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 10 West
Ohio State UniversityOH Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 15 Midwest
Ohio UniversityOH None Nov 15 Feb 1 (rolling) Midwest
Ohio Wesleyan UniversityOH Nov 15 Dec 1 Mar 1 Midwest
University of OklahomaOK None Nov 1 Feb 1 South
Oklahoma State UniversityOK None None Rolling (priority scholarship Feb 1) South
Olin College of EngineeringMA None None Dec 15 Northeast
University of OregonOR None Nov 1 Jan 15 West
Oregon State UniversityOR None Nov 2 Feb 1 (priority) West
Pace UniversityNY Nov 1 Nov 15 Feb 15 Northeast
Penn State University ParkPA Full profile None Nov 1 Rolling (Dec 1 recommended) Mid-Atlantic
University of PennsylvaniaPA Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 5 Mid-Atlantic
Pepperdine UniversityCA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
University of PittsburghPA Full profile None None Rolling Mid-Atlantic
Pitzer CollegeCA Nov 15 None Jan 10 West
Pomona CollegeCA Full profile Nov 8 None Jan 8 West
University of PortlandOR None Dec 1 Feb 15 West
Prairie View A&M UniversityTX None None May 17 (scholarship priority Dec 1) South
Pratt InstituteNY None Nov 15 Rolling (priority Jan 15) Northeast
Princeton UniversityNJ Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 1 Mid-Atlantic
Providence CollegeRI Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
University of Puget SoundWA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
Purdue UniversityIN Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 15 Midwest
Purdue University Fort WayneIN None None No fixed deadline published Midwest
Quinnipiac UniversityCT Nov 1 Nov 15 Feb 1 Northeast
Ramapo College of New JerseyNJ Nov 1 Dec 15 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of RedlandsCA None Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Jan 15 West
Reed CollegeOR Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteNY Full profile Nov 1 Dec 1 Jan 15 Northeast
University of Rhode IslandRI Nov 1 Dec 1 Feb 1 Northeast
Rhode Island School of DesignRI Nov 1 None Jan 20 Northeast
Rhodes CollegeTN Nov 1 Nov 15 Jan 15 South
Rice UniversityTX Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 4 South
University of RichmondVA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of RochesterNY Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 5 Northeast
Rochester Institute of TechnologyNY Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Roger Williams UniversityRI None Nov 15 Feb 1 Northeast
Rollins CollegeFL Nov 15 Nov 15 Feb 1 South
Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyIN None Nov 1 Feb 1 Midwest
Rowan UniversityNJ None None Mar 1 (priority Jan 31 for merit) Mid-Atlantic
Rutgers University-New BrunswickNJ Full profile None Nov 1 Dec 1 Mid-Atlantic
SUNY College of Environmental Science and ForestryNY None Nov 15 Jan 15 Northeast
SUNY GeneseoNY None Nov 15 Mar 1 (preferred) Northeast
SUNY New PaltzNY None Nov 15 May 1 Northeast
Sacred Heart UniversityCT Nov 15 Dec 1 (EA I); Feb 1 (EA II) Rolling after Feb 1 Northeast
Saint Anselm CollegeNH Dec 1 Nov 15 Feb 1 (priority) Northeast
Saint John's University and College of Saint BenedictMN None Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Jan 15 (priority); rolling after Midwest
Saint Joseph's UniversityPA Nov 15 Nov 15 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
Saint Louis UniversityMO Nov 2 Dec 1 Rolling (preferred Apr 1) Midwest
Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaCA None Nov 1 Jan 15 West
Salisbury UniversityMD Nov 15 Dec 1 Jan 15 (recommended); space available after Mid-Atlantic
Samford UniversityAL None Nov 1 None South
University of San DiegoCA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
San Diego State UniversityCA None None Nov 30 West
University of San FranciscoCA Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
San Jose State UniversityCA None None Nov 30 West
Santa Clara UniversityCA Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 7 West
Sarah Lawrence CollegeNY Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Savannah College of Art and DesignGA None None Rolling (apply at least 30 days before the quarter; 6 months recommended) South
School of the Art Institute of ChicagoIL None Nov 15 Apr 15 (final; final merit deadline Jan 15) Midwest
University of ScrantonPA Nov 15 Nov 15 Rolling (review begins Dec 15) Mid-Atlantic
Scripps CollegeCA Nov 16 None Jan 14 West
Seattle UniversityWA Nov 1 (Nursing and Diagnostic Ultrasound only) Nov 1 Jan 15 West
Seton Hall UniversityNJ None Nov 15 (EA I); Dec 15 (EA II) Jan 15 (RD I); Feb 15 (RD II) Mid-Atlantic
Siena CollegeNY Nov 15 Oct 15 Feb 15 Northeast
Simmons UniversityMA None Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Feb 1 Northeast
Skidmore CollegeNY Nov 1 None Jan 8 Northeast
Smith CollegeMA Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 15 Northeast
Soka University of AmericaCA None Nov 1 Jan 15 West
University of South CarolinaSC None Oct 15 Dec 1 South
University of South DakotaSD None None No fixed deadline published Midwest
University of South FloridaFL None Nov 2 Dec 16 (rolling to Mar 1) South
University of Southern CaliforniaCA Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 10 West
Southern Methodist UniversityTX Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 South
Southwestern UniversityTX Nov 1 Dec 1 Feb 1 South
Spelman CollegeGA Nov 1 Nov 1 Feb 1 South
St. Edward's UniversityTX None Nov 1 (First Review); Dec 1 (Early Application); Jan 1 (Early Application II) Feb 1 (priority); May 1 (final) South
St. John's College (Annapolis)MD Nov 1 Nov 15 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
St. John's University (New York)NY None Dec 1 Rolling (priority Feb 1) Northeast
St. Lawrence UniversityNY Nov 2 Dec 1 Mar 1 Northeast
St. Mary's College of MarylandMD Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
St. Olaf CollegeMN Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Midwest
University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)MN None Nov 1 Jan 15 Midwest
Stanford UniversityCA Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 5 West
Stetson UniversityFL Nov 1 Nov 15 Rolling (priority Jan 15) South
Stevens Institute of TechnologyNJ Nov 15 Dec 1 Jan 5 Mid-Atlantic
Stonehill CollegeMA Nov 1 Nov 1 (EA I); Jan 15 (EA II) Feb 15 Northeast
Stony Brook UniversityNY Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Suffolk UniversityMA None Nov 15 Feb 15 Northeast
Susquehanna UniversityPA Nov 15 Nov 1 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
Swarthmore CollegePA Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 4 Mid-Atlantic
Syracuse UniversityNY Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 5 Northeast
Temple UniversityPA None Nov 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
Tennessee State UniversityTN None None No fixed deadline published South
University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleTN None Nov 1 Jan 5 South
Texas A&M UniversityTX Full profile None None Dec 1 South
Texas Christian UniversityTX Nov 1 Nov 1 Feb 1 South
Texas Tech UniversityTX None None Rolling (priority scholarship Dec 1) South
University of Texas at AustinTX Full profile None Oct 15 Dec 1 South
University of Texas at DallasTX None None May 1 (priority Dec 1) South
Towson UniversityMD None Nov 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
Transylvania UniversityKY Oct 31 Oct 31 (EA I); Dec 1 (EA II) Feb 1 South
Trinity CollegeCT Nov 15 None Jan 15 Northeast
Trinity University (Texas)TX Nov 1 Nov 1 Feb 1 South
Truman State UniversityMO None None Rolling (priority Dec 1) Midwest
Tufts UniversityMA Full profile Nov 2 None Jan 4 Northeast
Tulane UniversityLA Full profile Nov 1 Nov 10 Jan 15 South
University of TulsaOK None None Rolling (priority scholarship Dec 15) South
Tuskegee UniversityAL None None Jul 1 South
Union CollegeNY Nov 15 None Jan 15 Northeast
United States Air Force AcademyCO None None Dec 31 (Pre-Candidate Questionnaire deadline) West
United States Coast Guard AcademyCT None Oct 15 Jan 15 Northeast
United States Merchant Marine AcademyNY None None Feb 1 Northeast
United States Military AcademyNY None None Jan 31 (file completion) Northeast
United States Naval AcademyMD None None Jan 31 Mid-Atlantic
University at AlbanyNY None Nov 15 (priority) Rolling (priority Feb 1) Northeast
University at BuffaloNY None Nov 1 Feb 1 Northeast
Ursinus CollegePA Dec 1 Nov 1 Feb 1 Mid-Atlantic
University of UtahUT None Dec 1 Rolling (final Apr 1) West
Utah State UniversityUT None None Rolling (priority Mar 1; final Aug 1) West
Valparaiso UniversityIN None None Rolling (recommended Mar 1) Midwest
Vanderbilt UniversityTN Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 1 South
Vassar CollegeNY Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 1 Northeast
University of VermontVT Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Northeast
Villanova UniversityPA Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
University of VirginiaVA Full profile Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 5 Mid-Atlantic
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVA None None Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Virginia Military InstituteVA Nov 15 None Feb 1 (priority) Mid-Atlantic
Virginia TechVA Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 15 Mid-Atlantic
Wabash CollegeIN Nov 15 Dec 1 Jan 15 Midwest
Wagner CollegeNY None Nov 15 Mar 15 Northeast
Wake Forest UniversityNC Full profile Nov 15 Nov 15 (first-generation college students only) Jan 1 South
University of WashingtonWA Full profile None None Nov 15 West
Washington & Jefferson CollegePA Dec 15 None Apr 1 (priority) Mid-Atlantic
Washington CollegeMD Nov 15 Dec 1 Feb 15 Mid-Atlantic
Washington State UniversityWA None None Rolling (priority Mar 31) West
Washington University in St. LouisMO Full profile Nov 2 Nov 2 Jan 4 Midwest
Washington and Lee UniversityVA Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 5 Mid-Atlantic
Wellesley CollegeMA Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 8 Northeast
Wesleyan UniversityCT Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 1 Northeast
West Virginia UniversityWV None None Rolling (materials due Aug 1 for fall) Mid-Atlantic
Western Washington UniversityWA None Nov 1 Jan 31 West
Westmont CollegeCA None Oct 15 (EA I); Nov 1 (EA II) Jan 15 West
Wheaton College (Illinois)IL None Oct 15 (EA I); Nov 15 (EA II) Jan 15 (RD I); Feb 15 (RD II) Midwest
Wheaton College (Massachusetts)MA Nov 15 Nov 15 (EA I); Jan 15 (EA II) Feb 15 Northeast
Whitman CollegeWA Nov 15 Dec 1 Jan 15 West
Whitworth UniversityWA None Nov 15 (EA I); Jan 15 (EA II) Mar 1 West
Willamette UniversityOR Nov 1 Nov 1 Jan 15 West
William & MaryVA Full profile Nov 1 None Jan 5 Mid-Atlantic
Williams CollegeMA Full profile Nov 15 None Jan 4 Northeast
University of Wisconsin-MadisonWI Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 15 Midwest
Wofford CollegeSC Nov 1 Nov 15 Jan 15 South
Worcester Polytechnic InstituteMA Nov 1 Nov 1 (EA I); Jan 5 (EA II) Feb 1 Northeast
University of WyomingWY None None Rolling West
Xavier University of LouisianaLA None None Rolling (preferred Mar 1; scholarship preferred Dec 1) South
Xavier University (Ohio)OH None Nov 1 Feb 1 Midwest
Yale UniversityCT Full profile None Nov 1 Jan 2 Northeast
Yeshiva UniversityNY Nov 2 (Honors only) None Feb 1 Northeast
University of the PacificCA None Nov 15 Jan 15 West
University of the South (Sewanee)TN Nov 15 Dec 1 Feb 1 South

Key Admissions Dates for the 2026-2027 Cycle

The dates most families plan around. Individual colleges vary, so check each regional page for specific schools.

Date What usually happens
Aug 1, 2026 Common App typically opens for the new cycle
Oct 1, 2026 CSS Profile opens[2]; University of California and Cal State filing periods open[1]
Oct 15, 2026 Earliest Early Action, honors and scholarship deadlines at many public flagships, plus the first combined medical program deadlines
Nov 1 to 2, 2026 Most Early Decision I, Early Action and Restrictive Early Action deadlines
Nov 7, 2026 SAT date; scores release Nov 20[3]
Nov 15, 2026 Second wave of Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines
Nov 30, 2026 University of California application deadline, all campuses[1]
Dec 1, 2026 Regular deadlines at several public universities, arts prescreens and many merit scholarship cutoffs
Dec 5 and Dec 12, 2026 Last fall SAT (Dec 5) and ACT (Dec 12) dates[3][4]
Mid December 2026 Most Early Decision I and Restrictive Early Action decisions released
Jan 1 to 15, 2027 Most Regular Decision and Early Decision II deadlines
Feb 1, 2027 Later Regular Decision deadlines and many scholarship and aid priority dates
Late March 2027 Most Regular Decision results released
May 1, 2027 Traditional enrollment deposit deadline at most colleges

Insider Rules: What Regular Decision Applicants Miss

The headline deadline is rarely the only one that matters. Across these 403 colleges we verified 1161 insider deadlines and rules, and 492 of them fall before Regular Decision or require applying early. These are the nine patterns that catch families most often, with examples from each college’s official pages.

1. Applying Regular Decision can quietly remove you from merit consideration

At many universities the scholarship deadline is the early deadline. Ohio State considers students for university merit, Morrill and President’s Ohio scholarships through Early Action by Nov 1[5]; Maryland ties Banneker/Key and its other merit awards to EA by Nov 1[6]; Purdue’s Nov 1 merit deadline is firm[7]; Florida’s Lombardi and Stamps awards exclude Regular Decision applicants[8]; Georgia Tech’s Stamps President’s Scholars come only from Early Action[9]; and USC awards merit scholarships to applicants who apply by Nov 1[10].

2. The biggest scholarships often need their own application, essay or nomination

Vanderbilt’s Cornelius Vanderbilt and Ingram scholarships require separate essays by Dec 1, a month before RD[11]. Emory’s Scholar Programs require applying by Nov 15[12]. WashU’s Signature Scholar Programs have a Dec 16 priority date[13]. The Robertson Scholars program at Duke and UNC has its own application due Oct 15 or Nov 15[14], Morehead-Cain consideration for many applicants runs through UNC Early Action by Oct 15[15], UVA’s Jefferson Scholarship requires a school nomination by Dec 1[16], and Georgia’s Foundation Fellowship is due Nov 1[17].

3. Honors colleges close before the regular deadline

Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College requires a separate application with an essay and two recommendations by Nov 15[18]. South Carolina’s Honors College and Top Scholars are due Nov 15[19], Auburn’s honors application Nov 16[20], Clemson’s honors priority Oct 22[21], and Delaware considers only Early Action applicants for its Honors College[22].

4. Combined medical and guaranteed-admission programs have the earliest deadlines of all

Penn State’s Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program closes Oct 13 and requires a 1470 SAT or 32 ACT[23]. Pitt’s Guaranteed Admissions Program in Medicine requires applying by Oct 15 and test-optional applicants are ineligible[24]. RPI’s physician-scientist program[25] and Stevens’ NJMS BS/MD[26] close Nov 1, while Rochester’s REMS[27], Drexel’s BA/BS+MD[28], GW’s BA/BS-MD[29] and Union’s Leadership in Medicine[30] close Nov 15. See our BS/MD Programs Database.

5. Arts majors run on a separate, earlier clock

Music, theatre and dance applicants usually face a Dec 1 prescreen deadline: Northwestern Bienen[31], Carnegie Mellon Drama and Music (with no Early Decision option)[32], Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance[33], USC Thornton[34], Rice’s Shepherd School[35] and BU’s College of Fine Arts[36]. Stanford applicants submitting an arts portfolio must file the Common App early, by Dec 5 for Regular Decision[37].

6. Competitive majors and direct admission reward early applicants

Purdue gives priority for engineering, computer science and nursing to applicants by Nov 1[38], Ohio State considers engineering and nursing direct admission through Nov 1 Early Action[5], Minnesota’s nursing admission is due Nov 1[39], and USC’s World Bachelor in Business is open only through the Nov 1 early rounds[10].

7. Interview windows close weeks before applications are due

Pomona closes interview requests Dec 9 for RD[40], Holy Cross Dec 5[41], Harvey Mudd Dec 15[42], Pitzer Dec 18[43], Wake Forest Nov 18 for virtual interviews[44] and Washington and Lee Oct 31 for staff interviews[45]. Rice’s RD priority interviews require applying by Dec 14[35].

8. Some colleges reserve money for Early Decision

Dickinson guarantees at least $20,000 a year to ED admits starting with fall 2027 entry[46], Occidental at least $20,000 a year[47] and St. Olaf at least $30,000[48]. Regular Decision applicants do not qualify for these awards. Northeastern adds an NU Accelerate award for ED admits[49]. Early Decision is binding, so compare net cost before committing.

9. “Priority” deadlines at rolling and public schools act like real deadlines

Pitt admits on a rolling basis, but only applicants complete by Dec 1 are automatically considered for scholarships, and its scholarships require a personal statement even though the essay is optional for admission[50]. Alabama requires the application and official scores by Dec 4 for automatic merit[51], and Claremont McKenna and Grinnell give merit priority to applicants by Dec 1[52][53].

ConnectPrep advice

Build your calendar backward from the earliest deadline for every school, not the Regular Decision date. If a scholarship, honors college or specialized program matters to your family, treat its deadline as the application deadline. When in doubt, apply by the earliest non-binding round.

BS/MD, Dental and Other Combined Medical Programs

Combined and guaranteed-admission health programs carry the earliest deadlines on the calendar and often require minimum test scores even at test optional colleges. These are the 43 first-year programs listed on the official sites of the colleges in this database.

College Program Deadline Details
Penn State University ParkOfficial source Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program (with Sidney Kimmel Medical College)Before RD Oct 13 Complete application, SKMC supplemental questions, resume, STARS and SAT (1470+) or ACT (32+) from a single sitting due Oct 13, 2026; late or incomplete files are not considered. Interviews in January, offers mid-February.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillOfficial source Assured Enrollment (Biostatistics, Public Health majors, Nutrition, Pharmacy)Before RD Oct 15 (EA encouraged) Assured enrollment is requested through questions on the first-year application (up to three programs). For the asterisked programs (Biostatistics, Community and Global Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences, Health Policy and Management, Nutrition, Pharmacy) applicants are encouraged to apply by the Oct 15 Early Action deadline.
University of PittsburghOfficial source Guaranteed Admissions Program in MedicineBefore RD Oct 15 (supplement Nov 1) Apply to Pitt on or before Oct 15 and submit the supplemental application by Nov 1; SAT 1500 or ACT 34 minimum and test-optional applicants are ineligible.
Baylor UniversityOfficial source Baylor2Baylor Medical Program (Baylor College of Medicine)Before RD Nov 1 (Baylor application); about Nov 11 (Scholarship Program Application) Completed Baylor file due Nov 1 plus a separate scholarship program application with a 500 word essay; selected students interview with Baylor College of Medicine. Program page shows 2024-25 dates (Nov 1 and Nov 11, 2024); typically SAT 1430+ or ACT 32+.
Brown UniversityOfficial source PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education) Nov 1 (ED); Jan 5 (RD) PLME applicants complete special program essays with the main application; dual degree (Brown|RISD) candidates are not eligible for PLME.
Drew UniversityOfficial source BA/MD with Rutgers New Jersey Medical SchoolBefore RD Nov 1 Seven year BA/MD (3 years at Drew, 4 at Rutgers NJMS); applications are due no later than Nov 1 of senior year, open to U.S. citizens who meet test score and academic requirements. Participants receive $35,000 per year in Drew scholarships for the three Drew years.
Howard UniversityOfficial source BS/MD, BS/DDS and BA/JD joint degrees Nov 1 (EA/ED) or Feb 1 (RD) Test optional policy does not apply: SAT/ACT scores are required. BS/MD and BS/DDS applicants also submit a program specific essay in the Common App Writing section by the application deadline.
Illinois Institute of TechnologyOfficial source Dual Admission Pharm.D. with Midwestern University (2+3) Nov 1 (early); Feb 15 (rolling) Early deadline Nov 1 with rolling deadline Feb 15; supplemental materials may be required.
New Jersey Institute of TechnologyOfficial source Accelerated BS/MD, BS/DMD, OD and MD partnersBefore RD Nov 1 3+4 programs with Rutgers NJ Medical School (min 1490 SAT or 33 ACT), Rutgers Dental (1410/30), SUNY Optometry (1410/30) and others are due Nov 1.
Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteOfficial source Accelerated Physician-Scientist B.S./M.D. ProgramBefore RD Nov 1 Application due Nov 1 with official test scores required; aid priority Nov 15; notification early April.
Rowan UniversityOfficial source 3+4 BS/MD and BS/DOBefore RD Nov 1 Accelerated medical programs are due Nov 1 and open only to first-time, full-time first-year students.
Siena CollegeOfficial source Siena/Albany Medical College ProgramBefore RD Nov 1 Common App required; all materials due Nov 1; minimum SAT 1360 or ACT 30; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; strong academics and community service.
Stevens Institute of TechnologyOfficial source Accelerated Pre-Medicine, Rutgers NJMS BS/MD (3+4)Before RD Nov 1 Must apply Regular Decision with all materials and official SAT/ACT scores by Nov 1 (test required; minimum 1400 SAT or 32 ACT in one sitting, tests completed before Nov 1). Requires a pre-med essay, healthcare resume and supplemental form; invitation only interviews at Stevens then NJMS; decision by Apr 1.
Stony Brook UniversityOfficial source Scholars for Medicine and Scholars for Dental MedicineBefore RD Nov 1 (priority) Applicants must also apply to Honors College, University Scholars or WISE (Nov 1 priority), submit SAT or ACT scores and an extra essay of up to 650 words; possible interview, decisions before Apr 1. Apply to only one of the two.
Syracuse UniversityOfficial source Combined Bachelor's and M.D. Nov 1 (EA, ED); Jan 5 (ED II, RD) Combined Bachelor's to M.D. is listed with standard round deadlines.
The College of New JerseyOfficial source 7-year BS/MD and optometryBefore RD Nov 1 Seven-year medical and optometry programs are due Nov 1, are not offered through ED or EA, and require SAT or ACT scores.
University of ConnecticutOfficial source Special Programs in Medicine, Dental Medicine and LawBefore RD Nov 1 (supplement Nov 8) Application due Nov 1 and supplemental application due Nov 8; ED not required. Apply to only one Special Program; decisions early March.
Villanova UniversityOfficial source Health affiliation programs (Penn Dental, Drexel Optometry and others)Before RD Nov 1 (EA required) Applicants must apply Early Action by Nov 1.
Drexel UniversityOfficial source BA/BS+MD Early AssuranceBefore RD Nov 15 All materials plus the College of Medicine Supplemental Application due Nov 15 (EA or RD only, not ED). Requires official SAT 1420+ or ACT 32+, 3.5 GPA and four years of lab science; invited applicants interview virtually Feb to Mar.
George Washington UniversityOfficial source B.A./B.S.-M.D. ProgramBefore RD Nov 15 Due Nov 15 and not open to ED applicants (apply RD to Columbian College); SAT or ACT required (ACT Science required), one program essay; 20 to 30 students interviewed on campus.
Union CollegeOfficial source Leadership in Medicine (8-year BS/MD with Albany Medical College)Before RD Nov 15 Applies to ED I and non-binding RD applicants alike; application, aid forms and test scores (SAT 1410 or ACT 30 minimum, tests by October of senior year) due Nov 15. Requires a 200-word essay and clinical service; AMC interviews selected candidates January to March.
University of Alabama at BirminghamOfficial source Early Medical School Acceptance Program (EMSAP)Before RD Nov 15 Must be admitted to UAB by Nov 15, 2026 and submit a separate application; requires 3.5 GPA plus 30 ACT or 1360 SAT; test-optional admits are ineligible; one virtual interview day only. Covers medicine, dentistry, or optometry (choose one).
University of RochesterOfficial source Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS)Before RD Nov 15 REMS application deadline Nov 15, notification mid-Jan; not open to international applicants.
University of the PacificOfficial source Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Dentistry AdvantageBefore RD Nov 15 The EA deadline is the required application deadline for the accelerated Pre-Pharmacy and Pre-Dentistry Advantage programs.
Illinois Institute of TechnologyOfficial source B.S./O.D. with Illinois College of Optometry (4+4)Before RD Dec 1 Dual admission optometry program; supplemental application and/or interview may be required.
St. John's University (New York)Official source Bio-Optometry (EA plan required)Before RD Dec 1 Bio-Optometry applicants must apply by Dec 1 under the Early Action plan per the deadlines page (labeled Fall 2026); the FAQ page lists Jan 1, so confirm with the school.
University of CincinnatiOfficial source Connections Dual Admissions (BS/MD)Before RD Dec 1 Separate Connections Application due Dec 1 with its own recommendation letters due Dec 15; requires UC admission, a minimum 27 ACT or 1270 SAT (no superscoring), and US citizenship or permanent residency.
Hofstra UniversityOfficial source 4+4 BS-BA/MD (Zucker School of Medicine)Before RD Dec 15 Applicants must apply EA (Nov 15 or Dec 15) with test scores and opt in, need a 3.7 GPA and 1410 SAT or 32 ACT, then submit a 4+4 Supplemental Application by Jan 15; finalists interview Mar 3, 8, 10 or 12, 2027.
Adelphi UniversityOfficial source SUNY Optometry 3+4 early assuranceBefore RD Jan 1 Early assurance program with SUNY College of Optometry; interview required.
Lehigh UniversityOfficial source 7-year BA/DMD Bio-Dental Jan 1 Separate deadline row Jan 1 with decisions in early Apr.
University of MississippiOfficial source Early Entry Pharmacy ProgramBefore RD Jan 10 Requires the Competitive Academic Programs Application (Jan 10; Nov 1 encouraged), an interview, and ACT math 24 or equivalent SAT math by May 1 of senior year.
SUNY New PaltzOfficial source Accelerated 3+4 Medical ProgramBefore RD Jan 15 Due Jan 15, well before the May 1 general deadline; SAT or ACT required.
SUNY New PaltzOfficial source Accelerated 3+4 Optometry ProgramBefore RD Jan 15 Due Jan 15; SAT or ACT required.
University of OklahomaOfficial source Medical Humanities Scholars and Pre-Law ScholarsBefore RD Jan 15 Honors special programs require applying by Jan 15 of senior year and require ACT or SAT scores, so test optional applicants are ineligible.
University of PittsburghOfficial source Guaranteed Admissions Program in Dental MedicineBefore RD Jan 15 Application with SAT (1470) or ACT (33) and STARS due by Jan 15; scores required from Aug 1, 2026.
St. John's University (New York)Official source Six-year Pharm.D. Feb 1 Requires a signed Pharmacy Technical Standards form, a 250-word essay on pharmacy, a resume, and two recommendations (one from a math or science teacher); FAQ says notification around Mar 15.
University of TulsaOfficial source Early Careers in Medicine (provisional OU College of Medicine MD acceptance)Before RD Feb 1 TU application, ECM application and recommendation due Feb 1; official ACT or SAT required (CLT not accepted), US citizens or permanent residents only; top applicants interview Feb 22, 2027; five freshmen admitted per year.
Illinois Institute of TechnologyOfficial source LECOM dual admission programs (D.O., Pharm.D., D.M.D.) Mar 1 LECOM osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and dentistry early acceptance programs have a Mar 1 deadline.
Adelphi UniversityOfficial source LECOM Medical and Dental 4+4 Apr 1 Early assurance programs with LECOM; interview required; test scores not required for the medical track.
Christopher Newport UniversityOfficial source Riverside Medical Group Scholars See note Admitted pre-med applicants are invited to submit an additional essay on studying medicine.
Muhlenberg CollegeOfficial source Penn 3-4 Biodental and SUNY Optometry 3-4 programs See note Test scores are required for these combined programs and interest must be indicated on the Common App; additional materials may be requested.
Stevens Institute of TechnologyOfficial source Rowan-Virtua SOM BS/DO (3+4, 4+4) See note Stevens lists an accelerated BS/DO pathway with Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine; no separate deadline is posted.
University of New MexicoOfficial source Combined BA/MD programBefore RD See note Separate application open only to seniors graduating from a New Mexico high school (or members of a NM tribe, nation or pueblo). Deadline was not stated on the pages checked; confirm with the program.

See our BS/MD Programs Database and BS/MD advising for a deeper look.

SAT and ACT Policies for Fall 2027

Testing is back at many of the most selective colleges and at many public universities in the South. For Fall 2027 entry, 37 of the 403 colleges in this database require the SAT or ACT. Each regional page lists its required and test-free colleges.

SAT or ACT required for Fall 2027

Watch for Fall 2028

Princeton, Columbia and Notre Dame are test optional for this cycle but will require scores for students entering in Fall 2028, and Claremont McKenna and Alabama have announced similar changes.[86][87][88][52][89] If you are a junior, plan to test either way. See our SAT test dates and ACT test dates.

Early Decision vs Early Action vs Restrictive Early Action

Plan Binding? Other early applications Typical deadline
Early Decision I Yes Early Action elsewhere usually allowed; only one Early Decision Nov 1 or Nov 15
Early Decision II Yes Only one binding Early Decision at a time Early to mid January
Early Action No Usually allowed at any number of schools Oct 15 to Dec 1
Restrictive / Single-Choice EA No Limited, especially at other private colleges Nov 1
Regular Decision No Not applicable Jan 1 to Feb 1

Restrictive Early Action is offered by California Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Notre Dame and Yale University. Early Decision II is offered by 119 colleges in this database, giving students a second binding round after December results.

Choosing a round is a strategy decision, not just a calendar decision. Our college admissions counselors build each student’s list and round strategy around testing, essays and financial aid. Applying from outside the U.S.? Read our guide for international applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Early Decision deadlines for 2026-27?

Most Early Decision I deadlines fall on November 1 or November 15, 2026. Because November 1, 2026 is a Sunday, several colleges, including Duke, Carnegie Mellon, Tufts, Middlebury and WashU, moved their deadline to Monday, November 2. Of the 403 colleges in this database, 187 offer Early Decision I and 119 offer Early Decision II, which usually closes in early to mid January.

When are Regular Decision deadlines for Fall 2027?

Most Regular Decision deadlines fall between January 1 and January 15, 2027. The University of California campuses use a single filing period that ends November 30, 2026, many public universities use December 1 or February 1 priority dates, and some admit on a rolling basis with scholarship deadlines months earlier.

Do you have to apply early to get merit scholarships?

At many universities, yes. Ohio State, Maryland, Purdue, Florida, Georgia Tech, USC and others tie their main merit scholarships to an early deadline, usually Nov 1, and some exclude Regular Decision applicants entirely. Several private colleges, including Vanderbilt, Emory and WashU, require separate scholarship applications due weeks before Regular Decision.

What deadlines do Regular Decision applicants usually miss?

Merit scholarship cutoffs, honors college applications, combined BS/MD and guaranteed admission programs, music and theatre prescreens, and interview request windows. We verified 492 of these across the 403 colleges in this database; each regional page has a finder listing every one with its official source.

Which colleges require the SAT or ACT for Fall 2027?

37 of the 403 colleges here require scores for Fall 2027 entry, including MIT, Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Penn, Cornell, Brown, Dartmouth, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Caltech and many public flagships in the South. Princeton, Columbia and Notre Dame remain test optional this cycle but require testing for students entering in Fall 2028.

Are these deadlines verified?

Yes. ConnectPrep checked every deadline against each college’s own website in October 2026. Every college links to its official page, and rows tagged Confirm are schools whose official page showed a prior cycle or conflicting dates when checked.

Want a deadline plan built for your student?

We map every school on your student’s list to the right round, the right test date and every scholarship, honors and program cutoff, then keep the whole family on schedule. Start with a free consultation.

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About the author

Jeremy Fine

Jeremy Fine founded ConnectPrep in 2013 and brings more than 20 years of experience in education, spanning test preparation, college advising and academic program management. He holds a BA from Washington University in St. Louis and an MPA from the University of Pittsburgh.

ConnectPrep is based in Westport, Connecticut, and works with students from kindergarten through graduate school, in person and online. Meet the team.

Sources

Numbered references are cited in the text above. All links open the original source.

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  6. University of Maryland, College Park. Banneker/Key, President's and Dean's Scholarships. Accessed October 2026.
  7. Purdue University. Merit scholarships (Presidential, Trustees). Accessed October 2026.
  8. University of Florida. Lombardi and Stamps Scholarships. Accessed October 2026.
  9. Georgia Institute of Technology. Stamps President's Scholars and Scheller Dean's Scholarship. Accessed October 2026.
  10. University of Southern California. USC Merit Scholarships. Accessed October 2026.
  11. Vanderbilt University. Cornelius Vanderbilt, Ingram and other merit scholarships. Accessed October 2026.
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  16. University of Virginia. Jefferson Scholarship and Walentas Scholarship. Accessed October 2026.
  17. University of Georgia. Foundation Fellowship. Accessed October 2026.
  18. Penn State University Park. Schreyer Honors College. Accessed October 2026.
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  22. University of Delaware. Honors College. Accessed October 2026.
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  25. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Accelerated Physician-Scientist B.S./M.D. Program. Accessed October 2026.
  26. Stevens Institute of Technology. Accelerated Pre-Medicine, Rutgers NJMS BS/MD (3+4). Accessed October 2026.
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  28. Drexel University. BA/BS+MD Early Assurance. Accessed October 2026.
  29. George Washington University. B.A./B.S.-M.D. Program. Accessed October 2026.
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  31. Northwestern University. Bienen School of Music supplement and prescreening. Accessed October 2026.
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  42. Harvey Mudd College. Optional interview. Accessed October 2026.
  43. Pitzer College. Optional interview. Accessed October 2026.
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  48. St. Olaf College. Early Decision St. Olaf Scholarship. Accessed October 2026.
  49. Northeastern University. Early Decision NU Accelerate award. Accessed October 2026.
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  52. Claremont McKenna College. Merit scholarship priority. Accessed October 2026.
  53. Grinnell College. Merit scholarship priority. Accessed October 2026.
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  55. Brown University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
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  57. Cooper Union. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  58. Cornell University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  59. Dartmouth College. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  60. Florida A&M University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  61. Florida International University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  62. Florida State University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  63. Georgetown University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  64. Georgia State University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  65. Harvard University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  66. Johns Hopkins University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  67. Kennesaw State University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  68. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  69. Morehouse College. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  70. New College of Florida. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  71. Tennessee State University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  72. Tuskegee University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  73. United States Air Force Academy. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  74. United States Coast Guard Academy. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  75. United States Merchant Marine Academy. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  76. United States Naval Academy. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  77. University of Central Florida. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  78. University of Florida. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  79. University of Miami. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  80. University of Mississippi. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  81. University of Pennsylvania. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  82. University of South Florida. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  83. University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  84. University of Texas at Austin. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  85. Yale University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  86. Princeton University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  87. Columbia University. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  88. University of Notre Dame. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.
  89. University of Alabama. Official first-year admissions deadlines. Accessed October 2026.

This is a ConnectPrep resource page, compiled and maintained by ConnectPrep. ConnectPrep is not affiliated with any college listed. Deadlines were taken from each college's official websites between October 6 and October 9, 2026; colleges can change or extend deadlines, so always confirm on the official site before submitting.