Northeastern University’s admission pages state that Early Decision I and Early Action for fall 2027 entry are both due November 1, and Early Decision applicants who want an early estimate of need-based aid must submit the request form by October 18. Irvine 12th graders applying to this university, whose main campus is in Boston, need to choose a round now.
Who Is Affected by the Northeastern Early Deadlines
High school seniors applying to Northeastern University through the Common App or Coalition Application. The four rounds are:
| Round | Application deadline | Decision | FAFSA and CSS Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 1 | By January 1 | November 15 |
| Early Action | November 1 | By February 15 | December 1 |
| Early Decision II | January 1, 2027 | By March 1 | January 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 1, 2027 | By April 1 | February 15 |
Early Action is non-binding, but the Admissions Committee will not see senior-year grades or late fall test scores. Early Decision is binding: a student admitted to the first-choice program, or one who selected “open to all opportunities,” must enroll and withdraw all other applications, while a student admitted to a program that was not the first choice receives a non-binding decision.
What to Do Now About the Northeastern Early Deadlines
Decide by October 18 whether to request an early aid review. The review is open to domestic applicants only and requires a Northeastern application, the 2027-28 CSS Profile, and the Early Aid Review Request; Northeastern provides the estimate by November 1. An Early Decision application is not required to request the review.
Confirm recommenders. Northeastern requires one teacher recommendation and one school counselor recommendation, and accepts one or two additional letters. The transcript must include grades 9 through 11, with first trimester or first semester grades sent when available.
Application fee. The fee is $75, with waivers available; applicants in either Early Decision round qualify for a waiver.
Round selection and college lists are covered by the EDUBUS college admissions planning service, and supplemental essays by the College Essay Bootcamp.
Sources
- Northeastern University: Deadlines & Decisions (accessed October 17, 2026)
- Northeastern University: Required Materials (accessed October 17, 2026)
- Northeastern University: Early Decision Benefits (accessed October 17, 2026)
- Middlebury ED Due November 2, No SupplementMiddlebury College's Early Decision I deadline is November 2, and it requires no supplemental essay, so the main essay carries more weight. Dates and requirements.
- Occidental Early Decision Due November 1Occidental College's Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines are November 1, applying is free, and Early Decision admits receive at least $20,000 a year.
- Santa Clara Early Deadlines Are November 1Santa Clara University's Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines are November 1, and it offers an optional 150 to 300 word supplemental essay. Dates and materials.
- Wesleyan Early Decision Due November 15Wesleyan University's Early Decision I application and financial aid deadlines are both November 15, and aid applicants pay no application fee. Dates and materials.
