The application pages of the Vanderbilt University Office of Undergraduate Admissions show that Early Decision I for fall 2027 entry closes November 1, 2026, with decisions in mid-December; Early Decision II and Regular Decision both close January 1, 2027. The testing policy page states that SAT or ACT scores are optional for applicants entering in fall 2027 and 2028 and required for fall 2029 entry. Irvine seniors have three weeks to decide whether Vanderbilt is their Early Decision school, and current sophomores will be the first applicants who must submit scores.
Who Is Affected by the Vanderbilt Early Decision I Deadline
Seniors applying to Vanderbilt University for fall 2027 entry as their first choice. Early Decision is binding; only applicants deferred to Regular Decision are released from it. The key points:
| Item | Vanderbilt University policy |
|---|---|
| Early Decision I | Due November 1; decisions in mid-December; deposit by December 31; priority financial aid filing November 1 |
| Early Decision II | Due January 1; decisions in mid-February; deposit by March 1; priority financial aid filing January 1 |
| Regular Decision | Due January 1; decisions in late March; reply by May 1; priority financial aid filing February 1 |
| Application | Common App, Coalition on Scoir, or QuestBridge, through one system only; $50 fee, with waivers available |
| Recommendations | One counselor letter and two academic teacher letters |
| Standardized testing | Optional for fall 2027 and 2028 entry; required from fall 2029 entry; both SAT and ACT are superscored; scores may be self-reported, with official reports required from enrolling students |
| Preferred last test dates | Early Decision II and Regular Decision: the December 5 SAT and the December ACT |
Blair School of Music applicants also submit the Blair application with a pre-screening video, due November 1 for Early Decision I and December 1 as the priority date for the other plans.
What to Do Now About the Vanderbilt Testing Requirement
Seniors should confirm the binding terms of Early Decision. An applicant admitted under Early Decision I must enroll, and the plan cannot be combined with another college’s restrictive early program; the differences among early plans are explained in Early Decision vs. Early Action: Which Are Binding, and school combinations are covered by the EDUBUS University Admissions Planning service.
Early Decision I applicants should have finished testing. Vanderbilt sets December as the last preferred test date for Early Decision II, so Early Decision I applicants should already have their scores; score release and sending dates are in Early Deadlines: Will SAT/ACT Scores Arrive in Time?.
Sophomores should build testing into their plan. Applicants for fall 2029 entry must submit SAT or ACT scores, and current sophomores are the first group affected; preparation options are described in the SAT program.
Sources
- Vanderbilt University Undergraduate Admissions: Apply (accessed October 11, 2026)
- Vanderbilt University Undergraduate Admissions: Application Process: First-year (accessed October 11, 2026)
- Vanderbilt University Undergraduate Admissions: Testing Policies (accessed October 11, 2026)
- CSU Transfer Priority Filing Ends Nov. 30CSU priority filing for fall 2027 transfer applicants ends November 30, 2026; $70 per campus. ADT admission guarantee, upper-division requirements, and next steps.
- Notre Dame REA Nov. 1; Tests Required Fall 2028Notre Dame Restrictive Early Action closes November 1, 2026. Scores stay optional this cycle; SAT or ACT is required for fall 2028 entry. Dates, essays, and rules.
- Pomona Two Essays, Early Decision Due Nov. 8Pomona College Early Decision I closes November 8, 2026, decisions by December 15. Two supplement prompts of 150 and 250 words, plus recommendation and testing rules.
- Portola High Financial Aid Workshop Oct. 19Portola High School holds a mandatory financial aid workshop for all seniors on October 19, 2026, led by Irvine Valley College, with FSA ID creation. Parent steps first.
