Ivy Day decisions

Overview

Ivy Day: all eight Ivies release RD decisions simultaneously. 2026 Ivy Day is expected around March 26.

Timing

• All eight Ivies release at ~7:00 PM Eastern
• Check applicant portals
• Email notifications 15-30 min later

The Eight

Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, Yale.

Preparation

Mental

• Results will be mixed
• Elite admissions are lottery-level
• Your classmates' outcomes don't predict yours
• Even perfect profiles face single-digit admit rates

Physical

• Charged laptop, reliable internet
• Login info ready
• Plan who you'll open with
• Decide on social media approach

Emotional

• Plan for disappointment (walk, friend, family)
• Plan for joy (celebrate)
• The outcome doesn't define you

Admit Rates (Approx.)

• Brown: ~5%
• Columbia: ~4%
• Cornell: ~7%
• Dartmouth: ~6%
• Harvard: ~3%
• Penn: ~6%
• Princeton: ~4%
• Yale: ~4%

Most applicants are denied at any given Ivy.

Responding

Accepted

• Feel the joy
• Don't make final decisions yet
• Attend admitted student day
• Compare financial aid

Denied

• Disappointment is valid
• Review other admissions
• Plan a response framework

Waitlisted

• Accept spot via portal
• Send LOCI if top choice
• Commit elsewhere by May 1

Parent Role

• Present and supportive
• Avoid repeated "Did you get in?"
• Respect student's space
• Provide perspective

Social Media

• Share only what feels right
• Don't compare outcomes
• Consider delaying posts

Perspective

Many successful, fulfilled people did not attend Ivies. The school is one factor in your future.