Ivy Day 2026: What to Expect on March 27 and How to Prepare

What Is Ivy Day?

Ivy Day is when all eight Ivy League schools release their Regular Decision admissions results simultaneously. In 2026, that date is March 27. Decisions typically go live between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM Eastern, depending on the school.

Which Schools Release on Ivy Day?

• Harvard University
• Yale University
• Princeton University
• Columbia University
• University of Pennsylvania
• Brown University
• Dartmouth College
• Cornell University

Each school has its own portal where you'll check your status. Make sure your login credentials work before March 27 — portals crash every year from traffic.

How to Prepare

Log in early. Test your portal access for each school a day or two before. Password resets take time you don't want to waste on Ivy Day.

Have a plan for either outcome. If you're admitted, congratulations — but the decision process is just beginning. You still need to compare financial aid packages and visit campuses before May 1.

If you're rejected or waitlisted, remember that Ivy acceptance rates hover around 3–6%. The math means extraordinary students get turned away every year. It says nothing about your future success.

What Comes Next

After Ivy Day, you enter the real decision phase. Compare every school's net cost, not sticker price. Use tools like Ask Kinsley's Value Score to see which degree actually delivers the best return on your investment. The most expensive school isn't always the best investment — and the data proves it.