Occidental College’s admission pages state that Early Decision I and Early Action for fall 2027 entry are both due November 1, with financial aid materials due the same day; the college has eliminated its application fee, and Early Decision admits receive a scholarship of at least $20,000 a year. Irvine 12th graders considering this Los Angeles liberal arts college have two weeks.
Who Is Affected by the Occidental Early Deadlines
High school seniors applying through the Common Application or the Coalition Application on Scoir. The dates for each round are:
| Round | Application deadline | Financial aid deadline | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 1 | November 1 | By mid-December |
| Early Action | November 1 | November 1 | By mid-January 2027 |
| Early Decision II | January 10, 2027 | January 10 | By mid-February |
| Regular Decision | January 10, 2027 | January 10 | By mid-March |
Early Decision is binding, and the Early Decision Agreement must be signed by a parent or guardian and the counselor on the Common Application. Students admitted through Early Decision I or II automatically receive the Occidental Commitment Scholarship, at least $20,000 a year and renewable for four years ($80,000 total), with no separate application.
What to Do Now About the Occidental Early Deadlines
Assemble the materials. Occidental requires a personal essay, the high school transcript, the school report, a counselor recommendation, the midyear report, and one recommendation from a 10th, 11th, or 12th grade teacher in a core subject. A short answer of up to 250 words on why the student is applying to Occidental is optional, and the college lists it as one way to demonstrate interest; test scores are optional.
Submit financial aid materials on the same day. Families applying for need-based aid must submit the FAFSA, the CSS Profile, and tax documents by the deadline for the chosen round. For California residents who qualify for a Cal Grant, Occidental commits to covering full tuition, although families with significant assets may not qualify. FAFSA timing is covered in FAFSA Now Open, and net price estimates in Check Net Price Before Applying Early Decision.
Early rounds and college lists are covered by the EDUBUS college admissions planning service.
Sources
- Occidental College: How to Apply (accessed October 18, 2026)
- Occidental College: First-Year Application Deadlines (accessed October 18, 2026)
- Occidental College: First-Year Application Requirements (accessed October 18, 2026)
- Occidental College: Occidental Commitment Scholarship (accessed October 18, 2026)
- Occidental College: Cal Grant Promise (accessed October 18, 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.
- 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.
- Boston University Early Decision Due Nov. 2Boston University's Early Decision deadline is November 2, with decisions December 14, and engineering applicants must have a year of calculus. Dates and rules.
