It’s official: spring is in the air—birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and winter’s last snowdrifts are melting away. The restless anticipation that high schoolers feel while waiting for college decisions, however, is something altogether different. At the end of March every year, ambitious high school seniors eagerly refresh their inboxes on Ivy Day, waiting for the moment when the legendary Ivy League schools release their admissions decisions.
For the Class of 2029, Ivy Day 2025 is expected to fall on March 27th, the last Thursday of the month. This is when students will find out if they’ve been accepted, rejected, or waitlisted at some of the most prestigious universities in the world.
But what is Ivy Day, why does it matter, and how should students prepare? There is a lot of hype surrounding these institutions, and not all of it is true. Let’s break it all down and get to the facts about Ivy Day 2025.
What Is Ivy Day?
Ivy Day is the official decision release day for the eight Ivy League schools:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Princeton University
- Columbia University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Dartmouth College
- Brown University
- Cornell University
Each of these schools releases regular decision notifications simultaneously, usually around 5:00 PM–7:00 PM ET.
Why Does Ivy Day Matter?
Ivy League admissions are becoming increasingly competitive, with test-optional policies, holistic application reviews, and institutional priorities shaping decision outcomes. In recent years, schools have emphasized first-generation students, diversity, and unique extracurricular impact. Understanding these trends can help future applicants position themselves strategically.
While Ivy Day is just one day in the larger college admissions process, it carries weight because:
- It’s highly competitive – Ivy League schools have some of the lowest acceptance rates in the country, often below 10%.
- It’s a shared experience – Thousands of students receive their results at the same time, making it a major event in the college admissions world.
- It influences future decisions – Whether accepted, rejected, or waitlisted, students must make key choices before the May 1 college decision deadline.
According to CNBC, Harvard remains the #1 dream school for many applicants, even amid ongoing debates about higher education policies and selectivity:
[W]hen it comes to the Ivy League, demand has remained remarkably strong, according to Connie Livingston, a former admissions officer at Brown University who is now with counseling firm Empowerly.
“They’re like the untouchables, like the elusive and exclusive Birkin bag: No matter what, people are always going to want it,” Livingston said.
In other words, the hype about #IvyDay is real.
As you can guess, social media has further amplified the emotional experience for teens. Expressive reaction videos to acceptances and rejections, among other announcements, begin bombarding the internet around this time, adding another element of drama.
While acceptance reaction videos and admissions discussions dominate platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Discord, it’s important to set personal boundaries. Comparison can heighten stress, and viral celebrations often overshadow the many talented students receiving waitlists or rejections.
Our professional advice? Stay focused on your own journey, and remember that college success is what you make of it. Let’s get into the details.
Ivy Day 2025 Decision Release Times
Based on previous years, here’s an estimate of when Ivy League schools may release their decisions:
| School | Expected Decision Time (ET) |
| Harvard | ~7:00 PM |
| Yale | ~5:00 PM |
| Princeton | ~7:00 PM |
| Columbia | ~7:00 PM |
| UPenn | ~7:00 PM |
| Dartmouth | ~7:00 PM |
| Brown | ~7:00 PM |
| Cornell | ~7:00 PM |
Keep in mind that these times are subject to change, so it’s best to check the official admissions websites for confirmation.
How to Prepare for Ivy Day 2025
Waiting for college decisions can be stressful, but being proactive can help you feel more in control.
Here are some concrete steps to take as Ivy Day approaches.
1. Manage Your Expectations
The Ivy League acceptance rates are incredibly low, often dipping below 5% at top schools like Harvard and Columbia. Even students with near-perfect GPAs, top test scores, and impressive extracurriculars may not receive an acceptance. Understanding that admissions decisions are not a reflection of your worth or potential can help ease the pressure.
To stay grounded, remind yourself that many factors beyond your control influence admissions decisions. Schools receive tens of thousands of applications and must build a diverse and balanced incoming class. Even highly qualified applicants may be waitlisted or rejected due to institutional priorities, available spots, or other unpredictable factors.
2. Plan for All Possible Outcomes
Before Ivy Day, think through what you will do for each possible decision—acceptance, waitlist, or rejection. This will help you react calmly and rationally when you receive your results.
We’ll cover more advice later, but these are the main scenarios you can begin to plan for:
- If accepted, start researching financial aid, housing, and the next steps for enrollment.
- If waitlisted, prepare a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) in advance so you can submit it quickly if necessary.
- If rejected, have a plan to focus on the schools where you were admitted and remind yourself that countless successful people attended non-Ivy institutions.
By preparing mentally and emotionally, you’ll avoid making any rushed or emotional decisions when the moment arrives.
3. Take Care of Yourself Leading Up to Decision Day
The days leading up to Ivy Day can feel overwhelming, with students constantly discussing their hopes, fears, and predictions. To protect your mental health:
- Limit time on college forums and social media. While Reddit, College Confidential, and Discord groups may seem like useful spaces for speculation and support, they can also fuel anxiety.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others. Each student has a unique journey, and the results of your friends or classmates have no bearing on your own potential.
- Stay busy. Engage in activities you enjoy, focus on schoolwork, and spend time with friends and family. Keeping your mind occupied will help manage stress and help “fill your cup.”
4. Decide If/Where to Share Your Results
Before Ivy Day, decide how you want to handle sharing your college results. Some students prefer to keep their decisions private, while others don’t mind sharing openly. Consider setting personal boundaries, especially if you attend a school where everyone talks about their acceptances and rejections.
In competitive high school environments, students often feel pressure to attend the most prestigious school possible rather than the best personal fit. Avoid making a decision based on rankings or external validation—your happiness, academic strengths, and career goals matter far more than prestige alone.
If you receive disappointing news, take time to process it before responding to questions from others. It’s okay to say, “I’m still thinking through my options,” if you’re not ready to discuss the details. If you’re celebrating an acceptance, be mindful of friends who may not have received the same news.
5. Understanding the Bigger Picture
Remember that many top companies and graduate schools prioritize skills, experiences, and accomplishments over Ivy League prestige. In fact, employers value students who take advantage of research, internships, and leadership roles—regardless of school name. Success stories from public universities, liberal arts colleges, and international schools prove that ambition and hard work outweigh a brand-name degree.
The bottom line is simple: no single school determines your success. Whether you end up at an Ivy League university or another top institution, your college experience is what you make of it. Your work ethic, ambition, and the opportunities you seek will have a far greater impact on your future than the name on your diploma.
Regardless of your results on Ivy Day, you have an exciting journey ahead. Colleges of all tiers provide incredible research, internship, and career opportunities—your drive and dedication will be the biggest factors in shaping your success.
How to Handle Ivy Day Results
The emotions of Ivy Day can be intense. No matter the outcome, here’s what you can do next.
If You’re Accepted:
Take a moment to celebrate—this is a major achievement. Gaining admission to an Ivy League school is no small feat, and your hard work has paid off.
Once the excitement settles, carefully review your financial aid offers. Compare different packages, and if anything is unclear, reach out to the school’s financial aid office for clarification. If an Ivy League school is your top choice but another school offers more funding, consider negotiating financial aid by presenting competing offers. Some Ivies adjust aid packages upon request, especially if financial circumstances have changed. Understanding the total cost of attendance is crucial before making your final decision.
Consider attending admitted student events, whether in person or virtually. These events give you a closer look at campus culture, academic programs, and student life, helping you decide whether the school is the best fit for you.
If You’re Waitlisted:
If you are placed on a waitlist, decide whether you want to remain on it. Schools may admit students off the waitlist at any time, but the process is unpredictable, so prepare to move forward with confidence. If you are still interested in attending, submit a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to the admissions office. This letter should reaffirm your enthusiasm for the school and highlight any new achievements since you submitted your application.
At the same time, make sure to secure another option. Since waitlist movement is unpredictable, you must commit to a different school by the May 1 college decision deadline. If you are later admitted from the waitlist, you can revisit your options.
If You’re Rejected:
Receiving a rejection can be disappointing, but remember that this is not the end of your academic journey. Many students go on to achieve incredible success at schools outside the Ivy League.
Take time to reassess your options. Review the schools where you were accepted and focus on the opportunities they offer. You may find that another institution provides an equally strong academic experience and the support you need to thrive. Many students thrive in less competitive environments, gaining leadership positions and forming strong faculty connections—all of which enhance future graduate school or job applications.
Nonetheless, if attending an Ivy League school remains your goal, remember that many students transfer into Ivy institutions after excelling at other universities. Additionally, Ivy League schools offer graduate programs, summer research opportunities, and professional certificates that allow students to engage with Ivy academics later in their careers.
What Comes After Ivy Day?
Once Ivy Day results are in, students have until May 1 to submit their final college decision. This period is crucial for making an informed decision about the best academic and financial fit.
For those looking to maximize their college experience, securing internships, research opportunities, and strong academic advising matters just as much as the name of the school. If you’re struggling to decide between two or more schools, consider these steps:
Make a Pros and Cons List
Write down what you love (and dislike) about each school. Compare key factors such as academic programs, financial aid, campus culture, location, class sizes, and career placement rates. Seeing everything laid out visually can help clarify which school aligns best with your goals.
Reach Out to Current Students and Alumni
Speaking with students who attend the schools you’re considering can provide insight beyond what’s on the website. Ask about classroom experiences, social life, career support, and anything that matters to you personally. Many schools offer admitted student groups on Discord, Reddit, and Facebook, where you can connect with peers before committing. Whether it’s a pre-orientation program, early networking event, or student-run Discord, building relationships before arriving can help ease the transition and set you up for success.
Visit (or Revisit) the Campuses
If possible, visit each campus in person. Experiencing the atmosphere, dorms, dining halls, and surrounding community can give you a better sense of whether you’ll feel comfortable there. If traveling isn’t an option, take advantage of virtual tours, admitted student events, and faculty Q&A sessions to get a closer look.
Consider the Financial Picture
Cost is a significant factor in your college decision. Review your financial aid package, scholarship opportunities, and potential student loan amounts. Some schools may allow you to appeal for additional aid if you can demonstrate financial need or competing offers from other institutions.
Think Beyond Rankings
While Ivy League schools and other highly ranked universities are prestigious, college is about what you make of the experience. Look at schools where you can excel academically, gain strong internship and research opportunities, and develop connections that will help you launch your career. A supportive environment and access to professional resources are far more valuable than a brand name alone.
Regardless of where you enroll, engage fully in your college experience. Seek mentors, research projects, internships, and extracurriculars that align with your long-term goals. Remember: your ambition, adaptability, and initiative will define your success far more than the stamp on your diploma.
Making your final decision can feel overwhelming, but trust that you’ll succeed wherever you go as long as you take full advantage of the opportunities available to you. Choose the school that feels like the best fit, both academically and personally, and move forward with confidence.
Final Thoughts on Ivy Day 2025
Ivy Day is a milestone, but it doesn’t define your future. Whether you receive an acceptance, waitlist, or rejection, remember that success is about what you do in college, not just where you go.
??For students feeling discouraged, it’s helpful to remember that many highly successful and wealthy individuals never attended an Ivy League school. Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University), Steve Jobs (Reed College, dropped out), and Warren Buffett (University of Nebraska-Lincoln before transferring to Columbia) all built extraordinary careers without an Ivy League degree. Success is about taking advantage of opportunities wherever you go, building strong networks, and staying proactive in your education and career development.
Want expert guidance on your next steps? Book a free consultation today to navigate college decisions with confidence. Empowerly is here for you!
