When Do WashU Decisions Come Out? Class of 2030 Notification Dates

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) sets a high bar for applicants. After submitting your application, the hardest part is waiting to see the outcome.

With applicants from across the globe drawn to its flexible curriculum and strong academic culture, WashU’s admission process is highly competitive, and that makes it important to know exactly when WashU decisions come out.

This guide outlines WashU’s admissions calendar in detail—from Early Decision I and II to Regular Decision—so you know when to expect results. You’ll also find transfer updates, waitlist timelines, and recent acceptance trends, along with the steps you should take once your decision is in hand.

• When Does WashU Release Decisions?
• When Do WashU Early Decisions Come Out?
• When Do WashU Regular Decisions Come Out?
• When Do WashU Waitlist Decisions Come Out?
• When Do WashU Transfer Decisions Come Out?
• What to Do After Receiving Your WashU Admissions Decision
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

When Does WashU Release Decisions?

WashU notifies first-year applicants through three main rounds: Early Decision I (ED I), Early Decision II (ED II), and Regular Decision (RD). Here’s the official breakdown of the timeline:

WashU Early Decision I results will come out on December 12, while Early Decision II applicants will hear back on February 13. Regular Decision notifications will be released on April 1.

Applying through ED I or ED II gives you an earlier answer, but keep in mind the binding commitment—you are expected to enroll if you are admitted.  Regular Decision allows you more flexibility to compare offers, though it comes with a longer wait into the spring.

You should also note that WashU follows a different timeline for transfer students and for those placed on the waitlist, which will be explained later in this guide.

When Do WashU Early Decisions Come Out?

WashU releases Early Decision I results in mid-December and Early Decision II results in mid-February. Here is WashU’s ED timeline:

Here’s what you need to keep in mind about WashU’s early rounds:

• Strict deadlines. ED I applications are due November 3 with the enrollment reply due by January 2. ED II applications are due January 2, and the reply deadline is March 2.
• Decision dates. ED I applicants receive their decisions on December 12, while ED II applicants hear back on February 13.
• No Early Action option. WashU does not offer a non-binding early pathway. If you want more flexibility, you should apply through Regular Decision, with results released on April 1 and the reply deadline on May 1.

All parts of your Early Decision I application, including the Common Application and WashU writing supplement, must be submitted by November 3. Your official school materials—such as transcripts, essays, the School Report, and teacher recommendations—are due by November 10, while financial aid forms like the CSS Profile must be submitted by November 18.

Once your file is complete, the admissions office reviews it and releases Early Decision results through the applicant portal and email.

What is WashU Early Decision?

WashU offers two binding Early Decision rounds—ED I and ED II—for first-year applicants who are confident that WashU is their top choice. 

Because the Early Decision agreement is binding, admitted students must commit to enroll, withdraw other college applications, and submit the required nonrefundable deposit (within two weeks of admission).

This option appeals to students who want an earlier resolution and are ready to commit to WashU if accepted. In contrast, Regular Decision allows you more time, flexibility, and the ability to compare offers before deciding.

WashU Early Decision results

When WashU decisions come out for Early Decision, you’ll receive one of the three outcomes:

• Admit. You’re accepted under an Early Decision plan. That means your commitment is binding: if you accept, you must enroll at WashU and withdraw applications from other colleges. Admitted students must submit the nonrefundable enrollment deposit within two weeks of notification.
• Defer. Your application is moved into the Regular Decision pool for further evaluation. You’ll receive your final decision in early April, along with other RD applicants.
• Deny. Your application is closed for this admissions cycle. You cannot be reconsidered under the same ED plan, though you may be considered later in RD or as a transfer applicant.

WashU releases Early Decision results on the dates posted on its admissions calendar (for example, December 12 for ED I, February 13 for ED II). 

Once decisions go live, updates appear in the applicant portal, and applicants receive an email alert notifying them that their status is ready to view.

WashU Early Decision acceptance rate

For the Class of 2028, Washington University in St. Louis received 4,817 Early Decision applications and admitted 1,217 students. This translates to an ED admit rate of about 25%.

In contrast, the Regular Decision pool was significantly larger. Out of 27,937 RD applicants, only 2,734 were admitted, yielding an RD acceptance rate of roughly 8%.

Altogether, WashU considered 32,754 first-year applications across both rounds and admitted 3,951 students, giving the university an overall acceptance rate of 12%.

While Early Decision does improve statistical chances compared to the Regular Decision cycle, it’s important to recognize that the ED pool is filled with students who not only present highly competitive academic profiles but also signal a firm commitment to enrolling if admitted.

In short, applying Early Decision at WashU can provide a meaningful boost, but it remains a highly selective pathway within one of the nation’s most competitive admission landscapes.

When Do WashU Regular Decisions Come Out?

WashU decisions come out on April 1 for Regular Decision applicants. Take a look at the timeline:

All Regular Decision applications must be submitted by January 2. Official school materials—including your transcript and recommendations—are due by January 9.

Once the deadline passes, the admissions team conducts a comprehensive review during the winter, weighing academic performance alongside extracurricular impact, personal essays, and recommendation letters. Regular Decision outcomes are released on April 1 through the WashU applicant portal. 

You’ll also receive an email prompting you to check your status. If admitted, you must officially secure your place in the class by May 1, which is the National College Decision Day.

What is WashU Regular Decision?

WashU Regular Decision is the standard, non-binding application option where students apply by early January and receive their admission decision in late March. If admitted, you have until May 1 to confirm your enrollment.

While Regular Decision gives you more flexibility and time to compare offers, keep in mind that many spots are already taken by Early Decision admits. 

That makes RD especially competitive, so your application needs to stand out academically and personally.

WashU Regular Decision results

When WashU decisions come out on April 1, you’ll see one of three outcomes:

• Admitted. Congratulations! You’re offered a place in WashU’s incoming class and must reply by May 1 to secure your spot.
• Waitlisted. Your application was strong, but the space is limited. If openings occur after May 1, you may be admitted later in the spring or summer.
• Denied. Your file is closed for this cycle, but you can explore transfer opportunities or pursue other strong options.

All Regular Decision results are shared through the WashU applicant portal, with an email letting you know when your status is ready.

WashU Regular Decision acceptance rate

For the Class of 2028, Washington University in St. Louis received about 27,937 Regular Decision applications and admitted 2,734 students, resulting in an RD admit rate of around 8%.

In comparison, Early Decision applicants had a noticeably higher admit rate. Out of 4,817 ED submissions, 1,217 students were admitted, producing an admit rate of about 25%.

Across both admission rounds, the overall acceptance rate stood at approximately 12%.

In a nutshell, the Regular Decision remains the most widely used pathway, but with far fewer spots available after ED, it is also the most competitive.

So, while applying Early Decision clearly improves the statistical chances of admission, the reality is that both rounds remain extremely competitive, and every year WashU attracts thousands of outstanding candidates from across the globe.

When Do WashU Waitlist Decisions Come Out?

WashU’s waitlist activity begins after the May 1 enrollment deadline, once the admissions office knows how many admitted students have officially committed.

If seats open, offers are extended to waitlisted students starting in early May and can continue on a rolling basis through the summer months.

Here’s a breakdown of WashU’s waitlist timeline:

Admission from the waitlist is never guaranteed. The number of students admitted depends entirely on space in the incoming class, so it’s always wise to secure another college option while you wait 

For the Class of 2028, the waitlist acceptance rate was 7.9%, with 210 of 2,658 students admitted.

WashU’s waitlist is also unranked. Every student who confirms interest is reconsidered, and selections are made based on institutional needs and space availability, not a numerical order.

When Do WashU Transfer Decisions Come Out?

When WashU decisions come out for transfer applications, it is for both spring and fall entry. The deadlines and decision dates are as follows:

Transfer applicants must submit the Common Application, official college and high school transcripts, a College Report, and letter of recommendation. 

WashU reviews applications holistically, emphasizing academic performance, course rigor, and overall fit with the university’s programs.

For the Class of 2028, WashU received 1,706 transfer applications and admitted 239 students. Out of those, 99 enrolled, placing the transfer acceptance rate at 14%.

Given this selectivity, transfer applicants should plan carefully and keep alternative backup college options when WashU decisions come out.

What to Do After Receiving Your WashU Admissions Decision

When WashU decisions come out, here’s how to move forward based on the result:

If you’re admitted

Congratulations! Log into the applicant portal to accept your offer, submit your enrollment deposit by the deadline, and have your high school send your final transcript.

You may request a deferral (gap year) for valid reasons, but you must first accept your offer and then petition for the deferral.

If you’re waitlisted

Accept your spot on the waitlist by April 15. Submit updates via the Application Updates form—your grades, awards, or recent accomplishments will be reviewed. You will be notified by June 30 if you are admitted off the waitlist.

If you’re deferred

Some ED applications that aren’t accepted immediately may be reviewed again during the Regular Decision cycle. Use this time to update midyear grades, share new achievements, and reaffirm interest in WashU. 

If you’re denied

Though it’s difficult, a denial at this stage doesn’t close all doors.  You should try to consider your other offers.

You can also reapply as a transfer later, and use the experience to strengthen your application—improving essays, academics, or leadership in future rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What time of day do WashU decisions usually come out?

WashU does not publish an exact time when decisions will be released. In practice, once decisions are posted in the applicant portal, you’ll receive an email alert indicating your decision is ready to view. In short, there is no fixed time when WashU decisions come out, and they can vary from one year to another.

2. When does WashU release Early Decision decisions?

WashU offers two binding Early Decision rounds. For Early Decision I, decisions are typically released by December 15. For Early Decision II, the decision date is around February 14. Applicants must submit their materials by Nov 3 for ED I and by Jan 2 for ED II.

3. When does WashU release Regular Decision results?

WashU shares Regular Decision notifications by April 1. The application deadline for this round is January 2, and all supporting documents should be submitted by that date to ensure a complete review.

4. Can I appeal if WashU rejects my application?

No, WashU does not offer an appeal process for first-year admission decisions. That’s why it’s important to submit your strongest possible application the first time. If you’re not admitted, you can consider reapplying in a future cycle or applying as a transfer student.

5. How does WashU notify applicants of acceptance?

When WashU decisions come out, you’ll be alerted by email telling you to check the WashU Pathway Portal. The official verdict—acceptance, waitlist, or denial—will appear in the portal, where admitted students will also find instructions for confirming enrollment and submitting the deposit.

Takeaways

If you’ve been wondering when WashU decisions come out, here are the key takeaways to note:

• Early Decision I results are released in mid-December (around Dec 12). Applications are due November 3, and admitted students must reply by early January.
• Early Decision II notifications arrive in mid-February (around Feb 13). The application deadline is January 2, with the reply due in early March.
• Regular Decision results are announced on April 1. Applications are due January 2, and admitted students must commit by May 1.
• Waitlist updates begin after May 1 and continue through June and July, depending on space in the incoming class.
• Transfer decisions are released in mid-November for spring entry and mid-May for fall entry. Deadlines are October 15 for spring and March 2 for fall.
• Working with a college admissions consultant can provide the strategy and insight you need to maximize your chances of joining WashU’s incoming class.