What is Ivy Day?

Ivy Day typically falls in late March or early April and is the day when Ivy League institutions and several other prestigious colleges release their regular decision admissions results. This year, Ivy Day will be on Thursday, March 28. For many applicants, it represents the final verdict on their college aspirations, as they eagerly check their email or log into admission portals to discover whether they’ve been accepted, denied, or waitlisted.

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IVY DAY: THE ULTIMATE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

Ivy Day can be an emotional rollercoaster for applicants and their families. The day is marked by a whirlwind of emotions – from elation upon receiving an acceptance letter to disappointment and frustration in the case of a denial.

Ensuring you’re taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally and physically will guide you through what can be a joyous or tumultuous day. As you navigate big news, keep these tips in mind:

Understand that admission to Ivy League schools is beyond competitive, and this outcome, whether an acceptance or a denial, does not define your worth or future success.
Keep yourself occupied with activities or healthy hobbies that you enjoy. Distraction can help alleviate feelings of anxiety while waiting for decisions. Zen out in your room listening to music, cook a favorite meal for your family, do some coloring or Sudoku or go out for a long hike in the woods—stay busy!
Don’t bottle up your emotions. On a normal day this is an unhealthy habit and even more so on Ivy Day when expectations, anxiety, nerves and stress are running high. Talk to trusted friends, family members, or counselors about your feelings.
Recognize that the admissions decision is ultimately out of your control. Instead of fixating on the outcome, focus on celebrating your hard-won achievements and success, like the selective Early Action schools that may have already admitted you! Take pride in the hard work you’ve put in thus far.
If things don’t go as expected and you aren’t in love with your college options, consider alternative plans like a gap year that align with your interests and goals.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ

In the digital age, Ivy Day has taken on a new dimension. Applicants often take to platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share their outcomes, offer support to one another, and seek solace in the company of peers experiencing similar emotions.

Social media can also exacerbate feelings of anxiety and inadequacy, especially on Ivy Day when many students share their acceptances. If you’re confident that you can roll with the punches, regardless of the outcome, then absolutely show up for your friends and celebrate their good news! But know it’s also 100% fair to simply wait to share congratulations or not reply to a text for a day or so.

And, before you post, remember that many of your peers are experiencing a range of emotions and uncertainties. Extend kindness and empathy towards others, whether they receive favorable or upsetting news. Celebrate the successes of your friends and classmates, and offer support and encouragement to those who may be struggling with disappointment.

IVY DAY: ADMISSIONS STATISTICS

While Ivy Day is synonymous with the Ivy League, many other top-ranked institutions also release their decisions on this day. Check out some historical admissions statistics and Top Tier Resources from Ivy League universities and a few other prestigious colleges:

Harvard University:

Yale University:

Princeton University:

University of Pennsylvania:

Columbia University:

Brown University:

Cornell University:

Dartmouth College:

Stanford University:

MIT:

These single-digit acceptance rates underscore the fierce competition for coveted spots at elite institutions and highlight the exceptional achievements of those who receive acceptance letters on Ivy Day.

Wishing you all GOOD LUCK as you await decisions.