Kenyon College has posted its first-year deadlines: Early Decision I (ED I) closes on November 15 with decisions in mid-December, and Early Decision II (ED II) and Regular Decision both close on January 15. Irvine seniors have 21 days until the ED I deadline.
Who Is Affected by the Kenyon Early Decision Deadline
The deadline applies to high school seniors applying to Kenyon this cycle, especially students who consider Kenyon their first choice. Kenyon states that about 40 to 45 percent of each first-year class enrolls through Early Decision, varying from year to year. The three rounds are as follows:
| Round | Application deadline | Decision released |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | Mid-December |
| Early Decision II | January 15 | Mid-February |
| Regular Decision | January 15 | Mid-March |
Early Decision is binding: applicants guarantee that they have filed no other Early Decision applications and, if admitted, withdraw their other applications and enroll at Kenyon. Kenyon also states that Early Decision applicants are considered on the same terms as all other applicants, including eligibility for merit scholarships and financial aid.
What to Do Now About the Kenyon Early Decision Deadline
Prepare the required materials. Kenyon accepts the Common App and the Coalition App. The file includes the Secondary School Report with transcript, a counselor recommendation and one teacher evaluation, preferably from a teacher of a year-long college-preparatory course in junior year. Applicants may submit up to two additional recommendation letters, and students with a particular talent may submit a portfolio through the Kenyon Applicant Portal.
Decide whether to submit test scores. Kenyon is test-optional for all applicants, accepts self-reported SAT or ACT scores and superscores both tests; an official score report is needed only after a student is admitted and enrolls.
Schedule one interview. Interviews are recommended but not required and take the form of a one-on-one virtual conversation with a Kenyon student admissions fellow; each applicant should register for only one. Applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships, and Kenyon states that it meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.
For Early Decision strategy, college lists and round planning, see the EDUBUS university admissions planning service and the four types of early application; for essays, see the college essay bootcamp.
Sources
- Kenyon College: Apply to Kenyon (accessed October 25, 2026)
- Kenyon College: Deadlines & Requirements (accessed October 25, 2026)
- Kenyon College: Early Decision (accessed October 25, 2026)
- Kenyon College: Standardized Testing Policy (accessed October 25, 2026)
- Kenyon College: Interviews (accessed October 25, 2026)
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