Application Deadlines

Learn the differences between Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision.

Occidental offers three application types for first-year students applying for Fall 2027 entry: Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision. Each option comes with the same thoughtful review process and access to financial aid. What differs is when you apply, when you receive your admission decision, and how firm your commitment is. Use the comparison below to find the best match for you—then explore the details of each plan before you apply.

Application Options at a Glance

Early Decision

Early Decision is a binding option for students who are confident that Occidental is their first choice. Applying Early Decision signals a strong commitment and, if admitted, you agree to enroll. Occidental returns that commitment through the Occidental Commitment Scholarship, which recognizes Early Decision students with a guaranteed minimum scholarship if admitted. All Early Decision applicants must complete the Early Decision Agreement form on the Common App, signed by a parent/guardian and counselor.

Early Decision I Deadline: November 1
Decision Notification: By Mid-December

Early Decision II Deadline: January 10
Decision Notification: By Mid-February

Early Action

Early Action is a non-binding option for first-year students who want to receive an admission decision earlier in the year while keeping their college choices flexible. It’s a great fit if Occidental is high on your list and you’d like more time to plan once decisions are released.

Deadline: November 1
Decision Notification: By Mid-January

Regular Decision

Regular Decision is the most flexible timeline and works well for students who want additional time to explore colleges before applying. You’ll still receive a full and careful review of your application.

Deadline: January 10
Decision Notification: By Mid-March

Good News!

If you apply Early Decision and are admitted, you’ll receive a minimum $20,000 scholarship each year—our way of honoring your commitment. Learn more about the Occidental Commitment Scholarship

First-Year Application Deadlines & Notification Dates

App Round	Admission Deadline	Financial Aid Deadline	Decision Release
Early Decision I	November 1	November 1	By Mid-December
Early Action	November 1	November 1	By Mid-January
Early Decision II	January 10	January 10	By Mid-February
Regular Decision	January 10	January 10	By Mid-March

Ready to Apply?

Applying to Occidental is a chance to share who you are, what you’re curious about, and how you hope to grow in college. When you’re ready, you review application requirements and what you’ll need to submit.

Start my application

Changing Your Admission Round

If you’ve already submitted your application to Occidental and would like to change your admission round, contact the Office of Admission at admission@oxy.edu. Requests to change rounds must be made by the applicable deadline and are subject to Occidental’s admission policies.

Application Round Change Deadlines

From Early Action to Early Decision I: November 15
From Regular Decision to Early Decision II: January 25
For students who are deferred from Early Action to Regular Decision, you may opt to be considered in the binding Early Decision II round instead of Regular Decision. Instructions on this process will be in your applicant portal after you have received your Early Action deferral.

Please note that Early Decision is binding. If admitted under an Early Decision plan, you agree to enroll at Occidental and withdraw your applications to other colleges.

Early Decision FAQs

A binding application (Early Decision) means that if you’re admitted, you commit to enrolling at Occidental and withdraw applications to other colleges. Nonbinding options (Early Action and Regular Decision) allow you to compare offers and make your final decision by May 1.

All applications are reviewed with the same holistic process. Students should choose the timeline that best matches their readiness and level of commitment. Historically, though, students who apply Early Decision are admitted at a significantly higher rate.

Only the timeline—both are binding and have similar admit rates.

Yes. Students applying through any application timeline are considered for need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Applicants interested in need-based financial aid must submit their financial aid application and documents by the same deadline as their application for admission.

No. Early Decision applicants typically receive a final decision: admit or deny. In a small number of cases, we may defer a decision to Regular Decision to review additional information in the broader applicant context.

Yes! Students who are deferred from Early Action may be considered in either Early Decision II (binding) or in Regular Decision.

No. The Occidental Commitment Scholarship is only for students who apply and are admitted in an Early Decision round.

No. Early Decision I candidates are typically admitted or denied. A very small number of Early Decision I students are deferred, typically because we need more information about your academic success in senior year, and we can only consider deferred Early Decision I candidates in Regular Decision.

Contact Admission

Collins House

1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Phone: (323) 259-2700

admission@oxy.edu

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