Early Admission Rates for Class of 2028

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Updated:
April 10, 2024
5 min read
Contents

”Mary

Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 3/4/24

Early admissions, found at many educational institutions, allow students to secure spots at their preferred colleges. Here are the top schools' early decision acceptance rates, pros, and cons.

Over the years, acceptance rates for early decisions have decreased, indicating increased competition. Before some colleges accept students, they allow some to apply earlier than others. While some schools no longer release their acceptance rates, here are the top US schools with their rates of early decision class of 2028. 

What is Early Admission?

Early admissions allow prospective students to submit their applications before the regular admissions deadline. This process is beneficial, especially for students confident about their top-choice school and their chances of getting in. Any student who receives an early decision secures a spot ahead of the regular admissions pool. 

How Does Early Admissions Work?

Early admissions work by enabling students to apply to colleges before the regular application deadline, usually offering a decision earlier and potentially requiring a commitment to attend if accepted. There are three types of early admission: early decision (ED), early action (EA), and non-common restrictive early decision (REA). 

Early Decision (ED)

Early decision is a binding process. The accepted student must commit to attending that particular university and withdraw all other applications. Early decision deadlines are usually in November, after which applicants receive their admission decisions in December.

If you go for ED, you automatically increase your chances of being accepted. There are higher acceptance rates with ED because choosing ED demonstrates strong interest and commitment to the chosen institution. However, note that your academic profile needs to meet the college requirements to increase your chances.

Early Action (EA)

Early action is a non-binding process. If you receive an early action admission, you are not obligated to enroll if accepted. EA deadlines are also in November, with admission decisions sent out in December. 

Opting for early action allows you to apply to other schools even after receiving a decision. It allows you to compare and concisely decide between your top school choices. 

Restrictive Early Action (REA) 

REA is also a nonbinding process. It allows you to apply early to that particular college. However, you cannot apply to any other college early (ED, EA, or REA). 

Your chosen school sees you as committed if you go for REA. REA gives you the chance to review your choices before accepting the admission. You are not obligated to attend that school even if you are accepted. 

If you have selected about 5 top schools, you will notice that each early admission process differs. Carefully research and understand each school's early decision acceptance rate to have a chance at the early decision class of 2028. After receiving a decision, weigh each decision to make an informed decision.

Possible Outcomes After An Early Application 

After making an early decision in your preferred college, there's a wait period before feedback. You could get accepted or not. Whatever feedback you receive, keep an open and resilient mind ahead for college. 

Acceptance

Accepted students will receive their letters, usually by December. This set of students falls among the tight early decision acceptance rates of several institutions.

Other students are either deferred or denied. 

Deferrals 

Deferrals mean your applications will be reviewed in the Regular Decision round. This is yet another chance for you to get accepted into your school of choice. You can send applications to other schools while waiting for the regular decision results.

Denial

Denial from an early admission hurts. However, it allows you to apply early enough to other schools of your choice. While applying, revisit your application materials to ensure your details are strong to increase your chances of acceptance. 

Top-50 Schools Early Admission Rates for Class of 2028

Let's take a look at the early admission rates for the Class of 2028 at the top-50 schools, shedding light on the competitive college admissions landscape.

School Early Admission Rate Class of 2028 Early Admission Rate Class of 2027 Early Admission Rate Class of 2026 Early Admission Rate Class of 2025
Princeton University NR NR NR 4%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 5.3% 4.8% 4.7% 4.0%
Harvard University 8.74% 7.56% 7.9% 3.4%
Stanford University TBA 9.2% 3.68% 3.95%
Yale University 9.02% 10.0% 10.9% 10.5%
University of Pennsylvania TBA 15.0% 15.6% 14.9%
Brown University 12.38% 12.98% 14.6% 15.9%
Columbia University TBA 11.3% 10.31% 10.10%

School Early Admission Rate Class of 2028 Early Admission Rate Class of 2027 Early Admission Rate Class of 2026 Early Admission Rate Class of 2025
Rice University 15.32% 16.5% 18.75% 16.0%
Dartmouth University 17.07% 19.21% 20.1% 21.0%
Vanderbilt University TBA 15.7% 17.6% 18.1%
University of Notre Dame 14.99% 15.24% 17.3% 22.0%
Georgetown University 9.8% 12.0% 10.0% 10.79%
Emory University 32.0% 37.4% 36.5% 31.0%
University of Virginia 31.99% 37.41% 32.0% 21.4%
University of Southern California TBA 5.9% NR NR

School Early Admission Rate Class of 2028 Early Admission Rate Class of 2027 Early Admission Rate Class of 2026 Early Admission Rate Class of 2025
Boston University 14% 26.11% 25.35% 18.3%
University of Georgia 50.0%
Out-of-state: 25%
31.4% 41.40% 39.0%
Case Western Reserve University TBA 32.9% 36.0% NR
Florida State University 38.0% NR NR NR
William and Mary TBA TBA 49.3% 46.0%
Santa Clara University 52.0% 49.0% 82.68% NR
Barnard College TBA 25.6% 29.0% 35.0%
Colgate University TBA 22.42% NR 61.0%

School Early Admission Rate Class of 2028 Early Admission Rate Class of 2027 Early Admission Rate Class of 2026 Early Admission Rate Class of 2025
Washington University TBA 26.0% 27.0% NR
Wesleyan University TBA 41.5% 44.0% 51.0%
University of New Hampshire TBA 73.1% NR NR
Creighton University TBA 79.3% NR NR
Duke University 12.9% 16.5% 21.3% 17%

Sources: MIT, The Tech, The Crimson, Princeton, Stanford Daily, Yale, The Daily Pennsylvanian, Duke, Duke Chronicle, Brown Daily Herald, Columbia Spectator, Columbia, Rice University, The Rice Thresher, Dartmouth, The Dartmouth, Vanderbilt University, The Vanderbilt Hustler, University of Notre Dame, US News, The Hoya, Emory Wheel, Emory, University of Virginia, Boston University, University of Georgia, The Red and Black, US News, William and Mary, Santa Clara University, Columbia Spectator, Barnard, Colgate University, Washington University, Wesleyan University, US News, US News,

Final Thoughts 

If your dream school choices offer early admission, consider their early decision acceptance rates. Research the admission policies of each institution and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each application strategy. Remember that a higher early admission rate enhances your chances but does not guarantee acceptance. 

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