When Do Swarthmore Decisions Come Out? Class of 2031 Notification Dates

Swarthmore decisions come out in three waves. Fall Early Decision (ED) results arrive in mid-December, Winter ED results in mid-February, and Regular Decision (RD) results in late March. Waitlist offers begin after May 1, and transfer applicants hear back in mid-May. 

This guide covers every Swarthmore decision date for the 2026-2027 cycle, the outcomes each round can bring, and the steps to take once you hear back. If you are applying to Swarthmore, knowing when Swarthmore decisions come out makes the wait easier to plan around.

• When Does Swarthmore Release Decisions?
• When Do Swarthmore Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
• When Do Swarthmore Transfer Decisions Come Out?
• What to Do After Receiving Your Swarthmore Decision
• Waiting on Swarthmore’s Decision? Get Expert Guidance
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

When Does Swarthmore Release Decisions?

Swarthmore releases first-year decisions three times a year:

Source: Swarthmore College Admissions

Swarthmore typically releases decisions at 7:00 PM ET through the online applicant portal. Expect an email when your decision is ready, then log in to the portal to read it.

Swarthmore Early Decision release date

Fall ED decisions come out in mid-December, and Winter ED decisions in mid-February. Each ED round has three possible outcomes:

• An admit is a binding offer. You agree to enroll and to withdraw your other applications. Swarthmore typically asks you to confirm enrollment by early January after Fall ED and by late February after Winter ED.
• A defer sends your application to the RD pool for a fresh review, with a final answer arriving alongside RD results in late March.
• A deny ends your application for this cycle.

When do Swarthmore Regular Decision results come out?

Swarthmore RD results come out in late March. Three outcomes are possible in the regular round:

• An admit lets you confirm your place. You have until May 1, the national reply date, to submit the enrollment reply form and any deposit.
• A waitlist keeps you in consideration if seats open after admitted students respond.
• A deny ends your application for this cycle.

Haven’t applied yet? See every Swarthmore application deadline

A decision date only matters once your file is complete. Our guide to Swarthmore application deadlines lists each date for first-year, transfer, and financial aid applicants.

When Do Swarthmore Waitlist Decisions Come Out?

Swarthmore waitlist decisions come out on a rolling basis, starting after May 1 and sometimes running into July. Waitlist offers cannot begin until the college knows how many admitted students will enroll. You also have to opt in through your applicant portal, typically by early May.

When Do Swarthmore Transfer Decisions Come Out?

Swarthmore releases transfer decisions online in mid-May. Admitted transfer students have until June 15 to reply and submit the deposit.

Swarthmore admits transfer students for fall enrollment only.

What to Do After Receiving Your Swarthmore Decision

Once you know when Swarthmore decisions come out, the next question is what to do with the result. Your move depends on which of the four outcomes you receive.

If you get a waitlist offer after putting down a deposit at another school, you can still accept it, though you’ll likely lose your first deposit. Since waitlist decisions are unpredictable, it’s best to treat your backup school as your plan unless Swarthmore offers you a spot.

Our guide to a successful waitlist letter explains how to write a strong update, while our guide on what to do after a college rejection covers your next steps.

Waiting on Swarthmore’s Decision? Get Expert Guidance

The weeks between submitting your application and receiving a decision give you time to prepare for what comes next. You can use this time to finish other applications or plan your next steps in case you’re deferred or waitlisted.

AdmissionSight’s Standard College Counseling program pairs you with an advisor throughout the application process, from building your school list and writing essays to final reviews. If Swarthmore has already deferred or waitlisted you, our Ad Hoc Consulting offers targeted help with specific tasks, such as writing a letter of continued interest or updating the admissions office on your recent achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What time of day do Swarthmore decisions come out?

Swarthmore typically releases decisions at 7:00 PM ET through the online applicant portal.

2. When does Swarthmore release Early Decision decisions?

Fall ED decisions come out in mid-December, and Winter ED decisions come out in mid-February.

3. When does Swarthmore release Regular Decision results?

RD results come out in late March.

4. Can I appeal if Swarthmore rejects my application?

It’s best to treat a denial as final for that application cycle. You can apply again as a first-year student the following year after a gap year or pursue a transfer after completing some coursework at another college.

5. How does Swarthmore notify applicants of their decision?

Swarthmore posts decisions through the online applicant portal, typically at 7:00 PM ET, and emails you when yours is available. You can read the full decision after you log in.

Takeaways

• Swarthmore decisions come out in mid-December for Fall ED, mid-February for Winter ED, and late March for RD. All are posted through the online applicant portal, typically at 7:00 PM ET.
• Waitlist offers typically begin after May 1 and are sent on a rolling basis, with some extending into July.
• Transfer decisions come out in mid-May.
• If you are still preparing an application or need help with a deferral or waitlist, a college admissions expert can help you make your strongest case.