Decision Plans
Wellesley offers four different plans and encourages you to apply when you’re most ready to present a strong application.
Which decision plan works best for you?
| Decision Plan | Application deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Decision (binding) | November 1 |
| Early Evaluation (nonbinding) | January 1 |
| Regular Decision | January 15 |
| Accelerated Admission | January 15 |
Please note: You will need to indicate your admission decision plan on the Wellesley Supplement, on the Common Application, and on any other forms where requested.
Early Decision: November 1 Deadline
Have you visited campus and fallen in love with Wellesley? If admitted, are you ready to commit to attending? If so, you may want to consider applying Early Decision.
The application deadline (electronic submission or postmark) for Early Decision is November 1. Supporting materials must be received by November 1. Early Decision is a binding plan for strong students who decide that Wellesley is their first choice. Early Decision applicants receive their admission decision and financial aid notification in mid December. Wellesley prefers that you complete the appropriate SAT Reasoning and Subject Tests or the ACT with Writing by the end of your junior year. The last possible test dates for you to be considered under the Early Decision plan are in November of your senior year.
You only may apply Early Decision to one institution. If admitted through this plan:
- You must withdraw all applications to other colleges.
- Your name, as well as names of other admitted students who have signed Early Decision agreements with Wellesley, may be shared with other colleges.
- You will need to send a check for the $300 enrollment fee by January 5.
On the Wellesley Supplement and the Common Application, select the option marked Early Decision.
Early Evaluation: January 1 Deadline
Or perhaps you'd prefer an early evaluation (in February) of your chances of being admitted.
The application deadline (electronic submission or postmark) for Early Evaluation is January 1. Supporting materials must be received by January 1. Wellesley's unique, nonbinding Early Evaluation plan provides students with an early indication of their chances for admission. At the end of February, the Board of Admission notifies candidates who apply under this plan that their chances are "likely," "possible," or "unlikely." Early Evaluation applicants receive their final admission decision and financial aid notification from the Board of Admission in April.
On the Wellesley Supplement, select the option marked Early Evaluation. Your choice of Early Evaluation will be noted in our process. On the Common Application, select the option marked Regular Decision.
Regular Decision: January 15 Deadline
Do you plan to apply to a broad range of schools coast to coast and take time to consider many options? Regular Decision gives you a bit more time to do so.
The application deadline (electronic submission or postmark) for Regular Decision is January 15. Supporting materials must be received by January 15. Under the Regular Decision plan, you will receive your admission decision and financial aid notification concurrently in April. International students who are applying for financial aid must apply under the Regular Decision plan.
On the Wellesley Supplement and the Common Application, select the option marked Regular Decision.
Accelerated Admission: January 15 Deadline
Are you a high school junior?
You can apply for admission to Wellesley during your junior year in high school by applying under the Regular Decision Plan. You must complete your application by January 15 and demonstrate the academic and personal maturity necessary to compete with other Regular Decision candidates.
On the Wellesley Supplement and the Common Application, select the option marked Early Admission.
