Wellesley College’s admission pages state that Early Decision I for fall 2027 entry is due November 1, and that applicants write two essays, including a Wellesley-specific essay of 250 to 400 words. Irvine 12th graders applying to this Massachusetts liberal arts college have two weeks to finish it.
Who Is Affected by the Wellesley Essay Requirement
High school seniors applying to Wellesley College through the Common App, Coalition Application, or QuestBridge. The two essays are summarized below (paraphrased; the college’s page has the exact wording):
| Essay | Length | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal essay | 250 to 650 words | Uses the current Common App or Coalition prompts |
| Wellesley essay | 250 to 400 words | Describe an experience working with people of different backgrounds or perspectives, why it mattered, and what lessons the student will bring to Wellesley |
The dates for each round are:
| Item | Early Decision I | Early Decision II | Regular Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application and financial aid | November 1 | January 5, 2027 | January 8, 2027 |
| Senior-year quarter grades | November 16 | January 11 | Not required |
| Decision | Mid-December | Mid-February | Late March |
What to Do Now About the Wellesley Early Decision Deadline
Build the Wellesley essay on a specific experience. The prompt asks about one shared experience and what the student took from it, so EDUBUS recommends describing what the student did and how their views changed, rather than offering general statements about diversity.
Confirm two teachers. Wellesley requires two letters of recommendation from teachers and reminds applicants to give teachers enough time.
Decide whether to submit test scores. Wellesley remains test optional for fall 2027 entry, and its admission page states that approximately 45% of enrolling first-year students applied without testing. Early Decision I applicants who plan to submit scores should test no later than late October. There is no application fee. Arts portfolios must be submitted through the applicant portal within one week of the application deadline.
Writing for each college’s supplements is covered by the EDUBUS College Essay Bootcamp, and college lists and application rounds by the college admissions planning service.
Sources
- Wellesley College: Apply (accessed October 17, 2026)
- Wellesley College: First-Year Applicants (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.
