New York University’s undergraduate admissions pages show that Early Decision I closes November 1, 2026, with decisions on December 15. Early Decision II closes January 1, 2027, with decisions on February 15, and Regular Decision closes January 5 with decisions on April 1. The cutoff is 11:59 p.m. in the applicant’s local time zone. Irvine 12th graders aiming at NYU under Early Decision have less than three weeks left.
Who Is Affected by NYU Early Decision
Twelfth graders who plan to submit by November 1 and are ready to enroll if admitted. NYU’s application rules are as follows:
| Item | NYU policy |
|---|---|
| Application platform | Common App only, shared by the New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai campuses |
| Recommendations | At least one letter, from a teacher, counselor, coach, supervisor, or similar figure; up to three |
| Application fee | $85, nonrefundable; fee waivers available |
| Testing | Optional through the 2027-28 cycle; applicants may submit the SAT, the ACT, or at least three AP exams, but only one form; the SAT and ACT are superscored across test dates |
| Early Decision commitment | Admitted students must enroll and withdraw other applications; students not admitted under Early Decision cannot then apply Regular Decision; a release may be requested if the aid offer is not affordable |
| Supplemental materials | Listed in the applicant portal after submission; most are due within one to two weeks of the deadline |
What to Do Now About NYU Early Decision
Decide first whether to submit testing. NYU states that it cannot guarantee it will wait for scores that arrive after the deadline. A student without SAT or ACT scores can consider submitting three AP exams: one in the humanities, one in math or science, and one of the student’s choice. For Stern and Tandon applicants, one of the three must be a math exam. Test-day preparation is covered in SAT and ACT Test Day: ID, Calculator, Device Rules.
Then think through financial aid. NYU notes that Early Decision applicants cannot compare aid packages from other schools, and families for whom cost is a concern should not feel pressure to apply Early Decision. College-list and early-application strategy are covered by the EDUBUS University Admissions Planning service, and essay revision by the College Essay Boot Camp.
Sources
- NYU Admissions: First-Year Applicants (accessed October 13, 2026)
- NYU Admissions: Early Decision (accessed October 13, 2026)
- NYU Admissions: Standardized Tests (accessed October 13, 2026)
- California AB 302 Bars Social Media MandatesCalifornia AB 302, now law, bars public schools from excluding students from clubs and teams for not using social media, starting in 2027-28. What it covers.
- University of Washington Due Nov. 15, One EssayThe University of Washington first-year deadline is November 15, 2026, with one Common App essay and no recommendations. Key rules for Irvine seniors.
- WashU Adds Early Action, Due November 2WashU has added an Early Action round alongside Early Decision I; both close November 2, 2026. Dates for all four rounds, the 250-word essay, and the optional video.
- Claremont McKenna ED I Nov. 1; Two EssaysClaremont McKenna College's Early Decision I closes November 1, 2026, with decisions by December 15; two supplemental essays and a recommended interview. Dates and rules.
