What is Ivy Day? Your guide to the big reveal day

Applying to an Ivy? Learn what Ivy Day is and what to expect

For high school seniors aiming for the Ivy League, Ivy Day is a major milestone. It's the day all eight Ivy League schools —Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, University of Pennsylvania, and Cornell—drop their admissions decisions.

If you've applied to one (or more) of these prestigious universities, Ivy Day is when you'll find out if you're in, waitlisted, or denied. It’s a day filled with anticipation, excitement, and yes, stress.

Let's break down everything you need to know about Ivy Day, how to prepare, and what to do afterwards, no matter the outcome.

Key takeaways about Ivy Day

• Ivy Day is when all Ivy League schools announce their admissions decisions.
• It typically falls in late March or early April.
• Decisions are released in the evening through individual school portals.
• You may receive an acceptance, denial, or waitlist offer.
• It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions — be proud of how far you've come and plan your next move.

When is Ivy Day?

The actual date for Ivy Day changes each year, but it usually takes place in late March or early April. Schools release their decisions at the same time, typically in the evening Eastern Time.

For students applying to the class of 2029, Ivy Day was Thursday, March 27, 2025. Decisions were released after 7 p.m. 

To stay updated on the next Ivy Day, start checking Ivy League school websites or announcements as it gets close to spring. Some schools may also send notifications ahead of time to confirm the release date.

Why is Ivy Day a thing?

Getting all their Ivy League decisions at once helps students stress less, and they can start to weigh their options and make an informed choice about where to attend.

With all decisions in hand, students can compare financial aid packages, consider campus culture, and think about which school feels like the best fit. Plus, Ivy Day is a big moment that adds to the tradition and buzz of Ivy admissions.

Ivy Day creates a sense of community among applicants. Many students share their experiences online, offering support and encouragement. No matter the outcome, Ivy Day is a time to reflect on the hard work that brought you there.

What to expect on Ivy Day

Once the clock hits decision time, you’ll log into the application portal of each school where you applied. Decisions are typically labeled as one of the following:

• Accepted: Congratulations! You’re in.
• Waitlisted: You’re still in the running, but the school wants to see how many accepted students enroll before offering you a spot.
• Denied: You didn't get in. It stings, but it’s not the end of your journey.

How to prepare for Ivy Day

Waiting for results can be nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to stay calm:

• Have a support system: Talk to family or friends who can be there to celebrate with you or support you through disappointment. 

• Set realistic expectations: Remember that Ivy League schools have very low acceptance rates and virtually nobody is guaranteed to get in.

• Practice self-care: Whatever the results, you’ve worked hard and should treat yourself with kindness.

• Be ready for any outcome. Have a plan for each decision scenario. Knowing your next steps will ease some of the anxiety. 

• Limit social media use. Seeing other people’s acceptance posts can be overwhelming, even if you’re happy for them.

What do I after I get a decision?

No matter what the screen says when you click that “View Decision” button, you have options.

If you're accepted

First of all—congrats! Now you’ll need to decide if you’re going to enroll. Compare financial aid packages carefully, visit the school, and attend events for accepted students to see if it feels like the right fit.

If you're waitlisted

Being waitlisted is frustrating because it keeps you in limbo. But don’t lose hope—you still have a chance of getting in! Here’s what you can do:

1. Accept your spot on the waitlist. Follow the school’s instructions as soon as you can.
2. Send a letter of continued interest. Let the admissions office know that you’re still excited about attending.
3. Secure a spot at another school. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Make sure you commit to another college by May 1 in case you don’t get off the waitlist.

If you're denied

Remember, your college journey doesn't end here. Many successful people were rejected from Ivy League schools, only to go on and achieve great things elsewhere. Here’s how to bounce back:

• Take time to process. It’s okay to be upset. Give yourself some time to grieve, then refocus on your next steps.
• Explore other great schools. The Ivy League isn’t the only path to success. Use Scout College Search to find more schools that match your goals and interests.
• Look for scholarships. Wherever you end up, it's a good idea to get as many scholarships as you can—because they're free money you don't have to pay back.
  Scholly Scholarships can help you find scholarships based on your skills and interests.

The bigger picture: Ivy League or not, you’ll be okay

Ivy Day is a roller coaster of emotions, but it’s just one day in your journey. Whether you get into an Ivy League school or not, your future is still bright. Stay open-minded, keep your options flexible, and remember that success isn’t defined by a college acceptance letter.

If you’re still shopping around for colleges, don’t forget to use Scout College Search to find the best-fit schools and Scholly Scholarships to discover scholarship opportunities to help fund your education. You’ve got this!