Princeton postpones admissions decision date

The traditional date for high school seniors to learn about their Princeton admission decision, often referred to as “Ivy Day,” usually falls on the weekend of March 28. But an increase in applicants has led the Ivy League, including the University, to push the decision day back to April 6.

According to a statement from the University, the Ivy League will announce results this year at 7 p.m. EST on April 6. Admitted students have until May 3, two more days than the usual deadline, to accept or decline their offers.

“The change in date is a result of increased applications across the League and our commitment to thoughtful review of all candidates,” the University wrote.

According to Media Relations Specialist Ayana Gibbs, the University received over 37,000 applications during this application cycle, an increase of 15 percent compared to the previous year.

“Princeton remains committed to attracting and supporting talented students from throughout society, including students from groups that have been underrepresented in higher education and denied the opportunities they need to flourish,” Gibbs wrote in an email to The Daily Princetonian.

The Ivy moratorium, during which no communication is allowed with applicants, begins at 7 p.m. EST on April 4 and concludes at 8 a.m. EST on April 7, a day after the notification date.

The new decision release date is one of several changes affecting this admissions cycle.

For students graduating high school in 2021, the University transitioned to a test-optional format, where students can choose whether or not to report their test scores. Across the country, testing centers have either canceled or postponed examinations in light of coronavirus restrictions.

“Students who do not submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage,” the University wrote in their announcement. Transfer applicants are also not required to submit a standardized test score.

The University does not require subject tests, but recently, the College Board eliminated SAT subject tests and removed the optional essay.

The University has also temporarily paused the Early Action application process, moved alumni interviews online, and canceled campus visits in response to the pandemic.