The Definitive Guide: When Do Boston College Decisions Come Out For The Class Of 2029?
The wait for a Boston College (BC) admissions decision can be one of the most stressful periods in a high school student's life. As of December 19, 2025, the official notification dates for the Class of 2029 have been set, providing clarity for applicants across all three admission plans: Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision. Knowing the specific window for your decision is the first step in managing the anxiety of the college application process.
The key takeaway is that while official notifications are guaranteed by a specific date, the actual release often occurs earlier, typically in the late afternoon or early evening (Eastern Time) on a weekday. This comprehensive guide breaks down the confirmed 'by' dates and the historical patterns you can use to narrow down the precise day your decision will be available in the BC application portal.
Boston College Admissions Decision Release Dates (Class of 2029)
Boston College offers three distinct application tracks, each with its own deadline and notification date. The following dates represent the official deadlines for the Class of 2029 (for students entering in Fall 2026), based on the latest information from the BC Office of Undergraduate Admission. It is crucial to remember that all times are Eastern Time (ET).
- Early Decision I (ED I) Notification: By December 15
- Early Decision II (ED II) Notification: By February 15
- Regular Decision (RD) Notification: No later than April 1
These "by" dates are a guarantee, meaning decisions will not be released any later. However, historical data shows that BC often releases decisions in a predictable pattern that can help applicants anticipate the exact day.
Early Decision I (ED I) Release Date
Early Decision I is a binding agreement for students who have made Boston College their top choice. The application deadline for ED I is typically November 1.
- Official Notification: Decisions are released by December 15.
- Historical Trend: BC typically releases ED I decisions in the second week of December. Applicants should monitor their email and application portal closely during this period.
- Release Time: Decisions are generally posted in the late afternoon or early evening, often around 6:00 PM EST.
Early Decision II (ED II) Release Date
Early Decision II is also a binding agreement, but with a later application deadline of January 2.
- Official Notification: Decisions are released by February 15.
- Historical Trend: Similar to ED I, the ED II release often occurs in the first or second week of February, well ahead of the official deadline.
- Key Difference: ED II is a popular option for students who need more time to finalize their application or who were deferred from an ED I program at another institution.
The Highly Anticipated Regular Decision (RD) Notification Window
The vast majority of applications fall under the Regular Decision plan, which has an application deadline of January 2 and is non-binding.
When to Expect the Regular Decision Release
While the official date is "no later than April 1," the specific release day almost always falls in late March.
- Official Notification: Decisions are released no later than April 1.
- Historical RD Date (Class of 2028): Decisions were released on March 21, 2024.
- Predicted RD Date (Class of 2029): Based on historical patterns, the Regular Decision release for the Class of 2029 is anticipated to be around the third week of March, possibly on or near March 18, 2025.
Boston College typically sends an email notification to applicants a few days before the actual release date, informing them of the exact day and time their decision will be available in the online application portal. This pre-notification is a key sign that the long wait is almost over.
Understanding the Decision Release Time
Unlike some universities that release decisions at midnight, Boston College tends to release decisions in the evening. Historically, the time has been around 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
This late afternoon/evening release time is common among highly selective colleges. It is intended to ensure students receive their decision when they are home, allowing them to share the moment with family and avoid receiving potentially stressful news during school hours.
The Competitive Landscape: BC's Acceptance Rate
It is important for applicants to understand the highly selective nature of Boston College, as it helps contextualize the long wait and the final decision. BC remains one of the most competitive universities in the country, with selectivity increasing each year.
For the class entering in Fall 2024, the acceptance rate for Boston College hovered around 12.6% to 16.2%, making it one of the most selective classes in the university's history. The university received over 34,000 applications for a single class, emphasizing the caliber of the applicant pool.
This intense competition means that even highly qualified applicants may not receive an offer of admission. Understanding the low acceptance rate is a crucial part of managing expectations during the waiting period.
5 Productive Steps to Take While Waiting for Your Decision
Waiting for a college decision can feel like an eternity. Instead of constantly refreshing the application portal, admissions experts recommend channeling that energy into productive activities. Staying engaged and focused is the best way to manage the anxiety associated with the decision release.
1. Maintain Your Academic Performance and Grades
The single most important thing you can do is avoid "senioritis." College acceptances are conditional. Your final transcript must show that you maintained the high level of academic performance demonstrated in your application. A significant drop in grades (a "dip in performance") could lead to your admission offer being rescinded, even if you were accepted.
2. Focus on Financial Aid and Scholarships
Use the waiting period to get ahead on the financial aspect of college. Review your FAFSA and CSS Profile submissions, and begin researching external scholarships. Understanding your financial aid options early is critical for making a final enrollment decision in April or May. You should also check the status of any specific scholarship applications, such as the Gabelli Presidential Scholars Program, which often have earlier notification timelines.
3. Plan and Schedule Campus Visits (Admitted Students Days)
If you are applying to multiple schools, start planning potential campus visits now. Many universities, including Boston College, host "Admitted Students Days" (also known as Open Houses) in March and April. Having these visits scheduled will give you concrete, exciting plans to look forward to, shifting your focus from the anxiety of waiting to the excitement of choosing.
4. Engage in Extracurricular Activities and Hobbies
Keep your mind off the decision by diving deeper into your extracurriculars, hobbies, and social life. Participating in sports, clubs, or volunteer work is a healthy way to address the anxiety and keep your motivation high.
5. Prepare for All Possible Outcomes
The decision will be one of three outcomes: acceptance, deferral, or denial. Taking a moment to mentally prepare for each scenario will help you react constructively when the time comes. If you are deferred from ED I or ED II, you will need to quickly decide whether to update your application for the Regular Decision pool. If you are accepted, the next step is celebrating and reviewing your financial aid package. Staying calm and addressing the anxiety head-on is key.
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