It varies by school. In the case of Baylor, there is a November 1st deadline for applicants who are applying either Early Decision (binding commitment to attend on the applicant if they are admitted) or Early Action (non-binding on the applicant if they are admitted) and then a separate February 1st deadline for regular admission.Reverend said:
Certainly there are admissions made before others, because some applications are made earlier, and meet the admissions criteria. So there is an acceptance deadline? As opposed to simply saying the class is full and you're too late to accept?
Result timeline is based on application type:
Early Decision (binding) - Decision by December 15
Early Action (non-binding) - Decision by January 15
Regular - Decision by April 10
In the case of Baylor, the Early Decision process allows Baylor to understand what the core of its class will be by December 15 (i.e. binding Early Decision results) and then Baylor is able to forecast yield on Early Action and Regular admission applicants based on prior cycles.