TL;DR: Ivy Day 2026 took place on Thursday, March 26, when all eight Ivy League schools released Regular Decision results for the Class of 2030. Acceptance rates remained at historic lows, with most schools reporting overall admission rates between 4% and 7%. Several Ivies, including Harvard and Princeton, withheld official admissions data for the second consecutive year. Based on available data, Columbia admitted 4.23% of applicants, Yale admitted 4.24%, Brown admitted 5.35%, and Cornell is estimated near 7%. Below is a complete school-by-school breakdown of every Ivy League acceptance rate for the Class of 2030, along with five-year trends, application volume data, and what these numbers mean for future applicants.
What Is Ivy Day?
Ivy Day is the date each spring when all eight Ivy League universities release their Regular Decision admissions results simultaneously. For the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, Ivy Day fell on Thursday, March 26, 2026, with most decisions posted at approximately 7:00 PM Eastern Time. The tradition of a coordinated release date allows students who applied to multiple Ivy League schools to receive all of their decisions on the same day, reducing the drawn-out uncertainty that would come from staggered release schedules.
The eight Ivy League schools are Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, Brown University, and Cornell University. While Ivy Day is specific to these eight institutions, several other highly selective schools, including Stanford, MIT, and Duke, also release their Regular Decision results around the same time.
Ivy Day 2026 Results: Class of 2030 Acceptance Rates at a Glance
The table below summarizes the known and estimated acceptance rates for all eight Ivy League schools for the Class of 2030. Several schools have not released official data, so we have included the most reliable estimates from admissions data trackers and institutional reporting where official figures are unavailable.
| School | Class of 2030 Acceptance Rate | Class of 2029 Acceptance Rate | Change | Data Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia University | 4.23% | 4.94% | -0.71% | Official |
| Yale University | 4.24% | 4.75% | -0.51% | Official |
| Harvard University | ~3.7% (estimated) | 4.18% | ~-0.48% | Withheld |
| Princeton University | ~3.9% (estimated) | 4.42% | ~-0.52% | Withheld |
| University of Pennsylvania | ~4.1% (estimated) | 4.92% | ~-0.82% | Withheld |
| Brown University | 5.35% | 5.65% | -0.30% | Official |
| Dartmouth College | 5.8% | 6.02% | -0.22% | Official |
| Cornell University | ~6.9% (estimated) | 8.38% | ~-1.48% | Withheld |
Sources: Brown Daily Herald, Columbia Spectator, Yale Daily News, and institutional press releases. Estimated figures are based on admissions data aggregators and student-reported data where schools have not released official numbers.
Why Are Some Ivy League Schools Withholding Admissions Data?
One of the most notable developments of the 2025-2026 admissions cycle is that several Ivy League schools, including Harvard, Princeton, Penn, Dartmouth, and Cornell, chose not to release official admissions statistics for the Class of 2030. This marks the second consecutive year that Harvard has withheld its data, a trend that has been widely reported on.
The reasons behind this shift vary. Some schools cite concerns that publishing acceptance rates fuels an unhealthy obsession with selectivity rather than fit. Others point to the increasingly competitive admissions landscape and a desire to discourage students from viewing the process as purely a numbers game. The Trump administration’s recent demands for admissions data transparency have also created political pressure around institutional reporting, with some schools pushing back against new federal data requirements.
For students and families, this data gap makes independent resources and admissions counseling more valuable than ever. When schools do not publish official numbers, the best available data comes from student newspapers, data aggregators like the Common Data Set, and professional admissions consultants who track results across hundreds of applicants each cycle.
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School-by-School Breakdown: Ivy Day 2026 Results
Columbia University: 4.23% Acceptance Rate
Columbia reported an overall acceptance rate of 4.23% for the Class of 2030, down from 4.94% for the Class of 2029. The university received over 57,000 applications, continuing a trend of rising application volumes that began after Columbia rejoined the Common Application and overhauled its Core Curriculum marketing. Columbia’s acceptance rate has dropped steadily from 6.10% for the Class of 2026 to its current historic low. The school remains one of the most selective institutions in the country. For a detailed guide on applying to Columbia, see our How to Get Into Columbia article.
Yale University: 4.24% Acceptance Rate
Yale admitted 4.24% of applicants for the Class of 2030, down from 4.75% for the Class of 2029. Yale received approximately 52,250 applications. Yale’s reinstatement of its standardized testing requirement for the 2024-2025 cycle onward has not dampened application volume. In fact, the university has seen application numbers continue to climb even as the testing requirement filters out some applicants who previously applied test-optional. The median SAT score for admitted students is estimated to be in the 1530-1570 range.
Harvard University: ~3.7% (Estimated)
Harvard withheld official admissions data for the Class of 2030, marking the second consecutive year the university has declined to publish acceptance rate figures. Based on reporting from admissions data trackers, the estimated acceptance rate is approximately 3.7%, down from 4.18% for the Class of 2029. Harvard continues to receive the largest applicant pool in the Ivy League, with an estimated 57,000+ applications. The university’s decision to withhold data has drawn criticism from some transparency advocates. For strategies on how to approach Harvard’s admissions process, read our How to Get Into Harvard guide.
Princeton University: ~3.9% (Estimated)
Princeton also withheld official data for the Class of 2030. Estimates place the acceptance rate at approximately 3.9%, down from 4.42% for the Class of 2029. Princeton received roughly 39,600 applications. Princeton’s Restrictive Early Action program admitted approximately 740 students in December 2025, and the Regular Decision round filled the remaining spots in the incoming class. Princeton has historically been one of the few Ivies that does not offer binding Early Decision, which tends to produce a more competitive Regular Decision round. See our How to Get Into Princeton guide for detailed admissions strategies.
University of Pennsylvania: ~4.1% (Estimated)
Penn did not release official admissions data for the Class of 2030. Based on available estimates, the acceptance rate is approximately 4.1%, down from 4.92% for the Class of 2029. Penn’s Early Decision round continues to account for a significant portion of the incoming class, with ED applicants seeing acceptance rates roughly two to three times higher than the Regular Decision rate. Penn’s Wharton School of Business remains one of the most competitive undergraduate programs in the country. Our How to Get Into Penn guide provides school-specific strategies.
Brown University: 5.35% Acceptance Rate
Brown University admitted 5.35% of applicants for the Class of 2030, down slightly from 5.65% for the Class of 2029. According to the Brown Daily Herald, the university admitted 1,674 students in the Regular Decision round from a record applicant pool of over 51,300 applications. Brown’s Open Curriculum continues to attract students who value flexibility in course selection. The Early Decision acceptance rate was approximately 16.5%, down from 18% the prior year, reflecting growing competition even in the binding early round.
Dartmouth College: 5.8% (Official)
Dartmouth released official Class of 2030 data on March 30, 2026: an overall acceptance rate of 5.8%, with 1,687 admitted from 28,863 applications (Dartmouth news release; The Dartmouth, April 1, 2026). The rate was down from 6.02% for the Class of 2029. Dartmouth has seen significant growth in application volume since reinstating its standardized testing requirement and launching several new interdisciplinary programs. Dartmouth’s rural New Hampshire campus and strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching continue to distinguish it from larger research universities. For a comprehensive look at Dartmouth’s admissions process, see our How to Get Into Dartmouth guide.
Cornell University: ~6.9% (Estimated)
Cornell did not release official admissions statistics for the Class of 2030. Based on estimates, the acceptance rate is approximately 6.9%, down from 8.38% for the Class of 2029. Cornell consistently receives the highest number of applications among the Ivies due to its seven undergraduate colleges and the fact that some of its schools (such as the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations) are statutory colleges of New York State, offering in-state tuition to New York residents. Cornell’s acceptance rate varies significantly by college, with the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering typically being more selective than others.
Ivy League Acceptance Rate Trends: Five-Year Comparison
The table below tracks how Ivy League acceptance rates have shifted over the past five admissions cycles, from the Class of 2026 through the Class of 2030. The overall trend is unmistakable: rates are declining at every Ivy League school, driven by rising application volumes and stable class sizes.
| School | Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | Class of 2028 | Class of 2029 | Class of 2030 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard | 3.19% | 3.45% | 3.65% | 4.18% | ~3.7% |
| Columbia | 3.73% | 4.00% | 3.86% | 4.94% | 4.23% |
| Princeton | 3.98% | 4.50% | 4.62% | 4.42% | ~3.9% |
| Yale | 4.46% | 4.50% | 3.87% | 4.75% | 4.24% |
| Penn | 4.39% | 5.87% | 5.40% | 4.92% | ~4.1% |
| Brown | 5.03% | 5.23% | 5.39% | 5.65% | 5.35% |
| Dartmouth | 6.24% | 6.23% | 5.40% | 6.02% | ~5.3% |
| Cornell | 8.70% | 7.90% | 8.41% | 8.38% | ~6.9% |
Sources: Common Data Sets, institutional press releases, student newspapers, and admissions data aggregators. Figures marked with ~ are estimates where official data has not been released.
Key Takeaways from Ivy Day 2026
Several important themes emerged from the Ivy Day 2026 results that students and families should understand as they plan for future admissions cycles.
Application Volumes Continue to Rise
Every Ivy League school saw an increase in applications for the Class of 2030, continuing a trend that has accelerated since the widespread adoption of the Common Application and the temporary shift to test-optional policies during the pandemic era. While most Ivies have now reinstated testing requirements, the cultural shift toward applying to more schools has not reversed. The average applicant to selective schools now applies to 10 to 15 or more institutions, up from 6 to 8 a decade ago.
Early Decision and Early Action Matter More Than Ever
With Regular Decision acceptance rates now below 5% at most Ivies, Early Decision and Early Action programs have become an increasingly important strategic lever. At schools like Penn and Columbia, ED acceptance rates can be two to three times higher than RD rates. Students who have a clear first-choice school should seriously consider applying early if the binding commitment of ED aligns with their financial situation. For a data-driven comparison of ED vs. RD acceptance rates at every Ivy, see our Early Decision vs. Regular Decision breakdown.
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The Return of Standardized Testing
The Ivy League Plus has all but rejected the test-optional movement. Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Caltech, and others have reinstated SAT/ACT requirements for the current admissions cycle. Even at schools that remain technically test-optional, the majority of admitted students are submitting scores. For the Class of 2030, the median SAT score among admitted Ivy League students is estimated to fall between 1520 and 1570, and the median ACT score between 34 and 36. Students targeting the Ivy League should plan to take standardized tests seriously and prepare accordingly.
What Waitlisted Students Should Do Now
If you were placed on the waitlist at one or more Ivy League schools, the next few weeks are critical. You should accept your place on the waitlist within 24 to 48 hours, submit an enrollment deposit at your best admitted school by May 1, and write a compelling letter of continued interest. For a complete step-by-step strategy, read our How to Get Off the College Waitlist guide, which includes LOCI templates, school-by-school waitlist data, and expert advice from former admissions officers.
How Ivy Day 2026 Compares to Other Selective Schools
The Ivy League does not exist in a vacuum. Several other highly selective universities released admissions data around the same time as Ivy Day 2026. Here is how the Ivies compare to peer institutions for the Class of 2030.
| School | Class of 2030 Acceptance Rate | Class of 2029 Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | ~3.7% (estimated) | TBA |
| MIT | 4.58% | 4.56% |
| Duke University | ~5.1% (estimated) | 5.20% |
| Caltech | TBA | 3.78% |
| University of Chicago | TBA | TBA |
| Northwestern University | ~7.0% (estimated) | ~7.0% |
| Johns Hopkins University | TBA | 5.14% |
For a comprehensive comparison of the top 25 most selective schools, see our College Admissions Statistics Class of 2030: Every Top 25 School Compared article.
What Ivy Day 2026 Means for Rising Juniors (Class of 2031)
If you are a rising junior or the parent of one, the Ivy Day 2026 results carry several important implications for how you should approach the next admissions cycle.
First, the numbers confirm that getting into an Ivy League school will not become easier any time soon. Application volumes are growing faster than class sizes, and acceptance rates will likely continue to decline for the foreseeable future. This means that academic preparation in 9th and 10th grade, including course rigor, GPA, and early standardized test preparation, is more important than ever.
Second, the return of standardized testing requirements across the Ivy League means that every competitive applicant should plan to take the SAT or ACT and aim for scores in the top 2-3% nationally. Test preparation should begin no later than the summer before junior year.
Third, demonstrated interest and school-specific essays have become the primary differentiators among otherwise similar applicants. Students who can articulate exactly why they want to attend a particular school, with references to specific programs, professors, and opportunities, have a meaningful advantage over those who submit generic applications.
Your Ivy League Admissions Strategy Starts Now
The Class of 2030 results make one thing clear: the margin for error in Ivy League admissions is razor-thin. At Oriel Admissions, we help families build winning strategies starting as early as 9th grade. Our counselors are former admissions officers from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia who know exactly what it takes to stand out.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ivy Day 2026
Through each school’s online applicant portal; on Ivy Day, the Ivies post regular-decision results to their portals at the announced time, and applicants usually receive an email telling them a status update is available rather than the decision itself by email. Applicants should have their portal logins ready in advance and check each school directly when decisions release, since the official result appears in the portal, and the email simply prompts you to log in and view it.
A likely letter is an early signal some Ivies send to standout regular-decision applicants, often recruited athletes or especially strong candidates, weeks before Ivy Day, indicating an offer is very probable. It is not a formal admission but rarely reversed absent a major change. Applicants who receive one can feel reassured while still awaiting the official Ivy Day decision, since the formal acceptance is confirmed on the standard release date alongside everyone else’s.
Yes; applicants deferred from an Ivy’s early round are reconsidered with the regular pool and receive their final decision on Ivy Day along with regular-decision applicants. The deferral simply moved the decision to the spring release. Deferred students should ensure any requested updates were submitted earlier and then await the Ivy Day result, since the school will issue an admit, deny, or occasionally waitlist decision at that point rather than earlier.
Often around the same time, but not always identical; admitted students typically gain access to their financial aid information shortly after or alongside the admission decision, though processing can vary slightly by school. Aid details may appear in a separate portal section. Admitted applicants should look for aid information promptly and contact the financial aid office with questions, since comparing offers is central to deciding among schools before the spring commitment deadline.
Rarely successfully; most Ivies do not offer a meaningful appeals process for regular denials and will reconsider only in unusual cases involving a genuine error or significant new information. A denial is generally final. Applicants are usually better served focusing energy on other offers and any waitlist opportunities rather than appealing, since these schools receive far more qualified applicants than they can admit, and reversals of regular-decision denials are uncommon.
Not your application details; the Ivies coordinate the timing of decision releases and the common reply date, but they do not share individual applicants’ files or decisions with one another. Each evaluates candidates independently. Applicants can apply to several Ivies without worrying that one school sees another’s decision, since the coordination concerns dates and financial aid principles rather than exchanging the personal contents of any individual’s application.
Because enormous numbers of anxious applicants log in within the same few minutes when decisions post, the surge of simultaneous traffic can briefly slow or overwhelm portals. The crush is temporary and not a sign of any decision. Applicants should wait calmly and retry rather than panicking if a page is slow at the release moment, since access typically stabilizes shortly afterward and the result is unaffected by any momentary technical strain.
Most colleges release regular decisions individually on their own schedules across late winter and spring, while the Ivies coordinate a single shared date and time for their regular-decision results. This concentrated release is what makes Ivy Day notable. Applicants should track each non-Ivy school’s separate notification date while knowing the Ivies all arrive together, since the synchronized timing applies only to these particular schools rather than being standard practice elsewhere.
