Brief: Davidson Early Decision Due November 15

Davidson College has posted its first-year deadlines: Early Decision I closes on November 15 with decisions by December 12, and the application requires two supplemental essays of 250 to 300 words each and a peer recommendation. Irvine seniors have 20 days until the deadline, so the supplemental essays and the recommenders both need attention now.

Who Is Affected by the Davidson Early Decision Deadline

The deadline applies to high school seniors applying to Davidson College this cycle. The three rounds are as follows:

Early Decision is binding: the applicant states that Davidson College is the first choice and that no other Early Decision application is pending, agrees to enroll if admitted and withdraws all other applications immediately; Early Decision applicants who are denied may not reapply for Regular Decision in the same academic year. The college has permanently waived its $50 application fee, practices need-blind admission for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and commits to meeting 100% of a family’s calculated financial need.

What to Do Now About the Davidson Supplemental Essays and Recommendations

Write the two supplemental essays. In addition to the personal statement of 250 to 650 words, Davidson College asks two supplemental questions of 250 to 300 words each. The first asks the student to explain, as specifically as possible, what interests them most about Davidson College; the second asks for a topic, activity or idea that excites the student and why. The first question calls for specific details such as courses and programs, and general praise of liberal arts colleges will not fill the word count.

Confirm three recommenders early. The college requires a counselor recommendation (with the Secondary School Report and Mid-Year School Report) and letters from two different academic teachers, at least one of whom teaches a core subject: English, mathematics, science, history or social science, or a second language. A friend, coworker or teammate of similar age must also complete the online peer recommendation form, using the same name and email address the applicant lists on the application so that the college can match it.

Decide whether to submit test scores. Davidson College is test-optional; applicants may self-report or send official SAT or ACT scores, and the writing section is not considered. Enrolling students must submit official scores.

For supplemental essay topics and revision, see the EDUBUS college essay bootcamp; for college lists and early-round planning, see the university admissions planning service and the four types of early application.

Sources

• Davidson College: Apply to Davidson College (accessed October 26, 2026)
• Davidson College: First Year Applicants (accessed October 26, 2026)
• Davidson College: Early Decision (accessed October 26, 2026)