PUBLICATION​

Early Decision Trends for the Class of 2029: Insights and Recommendations for the Class of 2030

By: Mary Miele, Certified College Counselor, Founder of Evolved Education Company

The release of early decision (ED) and early action (EA) acceptance results for the Class of 2029 has shed light on important trends in college admissions. With record-breaking application numbers, historically low acceptance rates, and changing policies like the elimination of legacy preferences at some institutions, the college admissions process continues to grow more competitive. This article explores some of the latest statistics from the early decision cycle at the most selective colleges and universities and provides actionable recommendations for the Class of 2030, 2031, and 2032.


Early Decision Statistics for the Class of 2029

Ivy League

Harvard University

    • Applications: Not disclosed
    • Early Action Acceptance Rate: Not disclosed

Yale University

      • Applications: 6,729
      • Admitted: 728
      • Early Action Acceptance Rate: 10.8%

University of Pennsylvania

    • Applications: Over 9,500
    • Admitted: Nearly half of the incoming class
    • Acceptance Rate: Not discloseds

Dartmouth College

    • Applications: 3,000+
    • Admitted: ~570
    • Early Decision Acceptance Rate: ~19%

Other Highly Selective Universities

Duke University

    • Applications: 6,627
    • Admitted: 849
    • Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 12.81%

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

    • Applications: 12,053
    • Admitted: 721
    • Early Action Acceptance Rate: ~6%

University of Virginia (UVA)

    • Applications: 4,971
    • Admitted: 1,282
    • Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 25.8%

Wesleyan University

    • Applications: 1,100 (ED I)
    • Admitted: ~400
    • Early Decision Acceptance Rate: 36%

Trends from the Data

 
  • Record-Breaking Applications: Many top schools reported the highest early application volumes in history.
  • Declining Acceptance Rates: As application numbers rise, acceptance rates have continued to fall, especially at highly selective institutions.
  • Shifts in Policy: Schools like Wesleyan and Amherst have eliminated legacy preferences, reshaping the profile of admitted students.

What These Trends Mean for the Class of 2030

The growing competitiveness of early decision admissions underscores the importance of thoughtful planning, strategic application timing, and holistic candidate development.


Recommendations for the Class of 2030, 2031, 2032…

1. Start Early

  • Academic Preparation: Maintain strong grades and enroll in challenging coursework, such as AP, IB, or honors classes. Build your study and executive functioning skills (IEF model!) – Inquire with Evolved Education Company to ensure you are learning and living well. 
  • Testing Strategy: Even with test-optional policies, a strong SAT or ACT score can strengthen your application, particularly for STEM fields.
  • Extracurricular/Resume Building: Be sure to invest in exploration of interests, paid work, chores and service work that is meaningful to you and the goal institution you wish to study at. 

2. Build a Cohesive Story

  • Highlight a central theme or passion throughout your application. Colleges value depth over breadth in extracurricular involvement.
  • For example, if you’re passionate about environmental science, engage in research, internships, or leadership roles in related clubs.

3. Be Strategic About Early Decision

  • Consider applying ED if you have a clear first-choice school. ED offers a higher acceptance rate at many colleges but requires a binding commitment. Sometimes ED does not make sense for a student. Let’s explore this further for your student! 
  • Research institutional priorities (e.g., programs, demographics, or athletics) to identify where your profile aligns.

4. Craft Exceptional Essays

  • Use essays to showcase your personality, values, and fit for the institution.
  • Make “Why Us?” essays specific by referencing the school’s unique offerings (e.g., academic programs, clubs, or culture).

5. Demonstrate Interest

  • Attend virtual or in-person events, request interviews, and communicate thoughtfully with admissions representatives.
  • Demonstrated interest can make a difference at schools that track it.

6. Secure Strong Recommendations

  • Cultivate relationships with teachers and counselors who know you well and can provide detailed, enthusiastic endorsements.
  • An important piece of work that I do with students is to help them create a meaningful relationship with their school-based college counselor as well as teachers so that recommendations are strong due to an authentic connection and understanding. 

7. Develop a Balanced College List

  • Include a mix of reach, target, and safety schools to maximize your chances of admission.

8. Stay Informed on Policy Changes

  • Monitor changes in admissions policies, such as test-optional updates or the elimination of legacy preferences.

9. Work with a College Counselor

  • A professional, independent counselor can help you identify best-fit schools, refine your application strategy, and ensure all components of your application are polished. Feel free to connect with me at mary@evolveded.com to organize our work together. 

Conclusion

The early decision results for the Class of 2029 highlight the need for thoughtful planning and a strategic approach to college admissions. By starting early, building a cohesive narrative, and tailoring applications to each school, students in the Class of 2030 can position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

For more insights or personalized guidance, contact Evolved Education Company at www.evolvededucationcompany.com.

CITATIONS: 

Ivy Coach: Ivy League Class of 2029 Early Admission Statistics 

https://www.ivycoach.com/the-ivy-coach-blog/ivy-league/ivy-league-class-of-2029-early-admission-statistics/

Ivy Central: Yale Early Action Statistics

https://www.ivycentral.com/yale-universitys-class-of-2029-early-decision-statistics/

The Daily Pennsylvanian: Penn Early Decision Results

https://www.thedp.com/article/2024/12/penn-early-decision-results-class-of-2029

7EDU: MIT Early Action Results

https://www.7edu.org/blog/admissions-trends-3/early-admissions-results-for-class-2029-302

Wesleyan University Admissions Data: Statistics

https://www.wesleyan.edu/admission/statistics.html

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