The University of Richmond has posted its deadlines for fall 2027 entry: Early Decision I and Early Action both close on November 1, with supporting materials due by November 15 and December 1 respectively. Irvine seniors have two days until the deadline, and the Richmond supplemental essay is close to the length of a personal essay, with a minimum of 350 words and a maximum of 650, so it needs adequate time.
Who Is Affected by the Richmond Early Deadlines
The deadlines apply to seniors planning to apply to the University of Richmond by November 1. The admissions page lists four rounds:
| Round | Application deadline | Credential deadline | Approximate decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 1 | November 15 | December 15 |
| Early Action | November 1 | December 1 | January 25 |
| Early Decision II | January 1 | January 15 | February 15 |
| Regular Decision | January 1 | February 15 | April 1 |
Both Early Decision rounds are binding. The student, a parent or guardian and a school counselor sign the Early Decision agreement, and an admitted student enrolls and withdraws all other applications. Every application on file by December 1, in any round, is considered for the Richmond Scholars program.
What to Do Now About the Richmond Question Essay
Choose one of three prompts. The three prompts for the 2026-27 cycle ask about helping people in a community feel welcome and heard; an experience of learning by doing, making, testing or leading; and the communities, experiences or ambitions that have shaped the student and how the student will join the Richmond campus community. The essay runs 350 to 650 words and can be submitted in the Common App or Coalition Application, or uploaded to the Spider Portal applicant portal before the credential deadline.
Check the other materials. The application fee is $50. Applicants submit a transcript for grades 9 through 11, a secondary school report and one recommendation from a school official, ideally the counselor, with up to two additional letters. Testing is optional for fall 2027 entry, and submitted SAT and ACT scores are superscored. Early Decision I and Early Action applicants must also submit first-quarter or first-semester senior grades as soon as they are available, even after the credential deadline.
Check the portal after submission. The university sends Spider Portal login instructions within a week of applying, and applicants should check the materials checklist regularly to confirm the application is complete.
For supplemental essay topics and revision, see the EDUBUS college essay bootcamp; for early application rounds, see the university admissions planning service.
Sources
- University of Richmond: 2027 First-Year Application Materials (accessed October 30, 2026)
- Pepperdine Early Deadlines Are November 1Pepperdine University closes Early Decision and Early Action on November 1, and applicants also write a 300 to 500 word essay on faith and campus conversation.
- Rochester Early Decision I Due November 1The University of Rochester closes Early Decision I on November 1 and also offers a non-binding December 1 priority scholarship deadline for Irvine seniors.
- Villanova Early Deadlines Are November 1Villanova University closes Early Action and Early Decision I on November 1, and Early Action applicants can switch to Early Decision I until November 10.
- Bucknell Early Decision I Due November 1Bucknell University closes Early Decision I on November 1, and applicants must choose one of three colleges: Arts and Sciences, Engineering or Management.
