If Carnegie Mellon is your first-choice university, apply with confidence and receive your admission decision earlier.

Applying Early Decision is for students who have done their research and know they want to make Carnegie Mellon and Pittsburgh their home. You'll receive your admission decision by mid-December, giving you more time to celebrate your accomplishments, plan for college and enjoy your senior year.

Early Decision Timeline

• Deadline: November 2
• Notified by: December 15
• Enroll by: February 1

Early Decision is not available for the School of Drama, BXA Design programs or the School of Music.

Early Decision Instructions and Information

• Early Decision is a binding application plan. If you’re admitted to Carnegie Mellon, you’re expected to enroll.
• You should not apply for Early Decision if you have a pending Early Decision application with another college or university.
• If admitted through Early Decision, you must agree to withdraw applications previously submitted to other institutions. To do this, please complete and submit the Early Decision Agreement (PDF)(opens in new window)  along with the rest of your application.
• Because Early Decision is binding, you won't be able to compare financial aid offers between institutions. Be sure to discuss financial considerations and commitments with your family ahead of applying.
• You can apply to only one college within the university.
• Three decisions can be given: admit, deny or defer to Regular Decision.
• You're not able to reapply under Regular Decision if you're denied under Early Decision.

Note about November standardized tests for Early Decision applicants: If you'd like us to consider test scores, it's strongly preferred that Early Decision applicants complete all standardized testing by November 1. If there are circumstances that have led you to take a test after November 1, but still in the month of November, make sure you've indicated the future test you're taking on the Common Application. The Office of Admission will do our best to wait until these scores arrive before making an admission decision; however, this will cause a delay in the review of your application. December testing is too late for Early Decision consideration.

If you're not ready to commit to one university and want to keep your options open, apply with more flexibility over a longer timeline.

Regular Decision is for students who are still considering their options and aren't ready to make an enrollment decision. It’s common for students to apply Regular Decision to a number of institutions and then compare universities.

Regular Decision Timeline

• Deadline: January 4
• Notified by: No later than April 1
• Enroll by: May 1

Regular Decision for Schools of Drama and Music

• Deadline: December 1
• Notified by: No later than April 1
• Enroll by: May 1

If you're applying to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design, Drama or Music, please review information for College of Fine Arts applicants. We encourage College of Fine Arts applicants to submit their application earlier in the process in order to secure auditions or portfolio review appointments.

Please keep in mind: Regular Decision applicants who want to change to the Early Decision application plan may do so by emailing the Office of Admission by November 1. You will be required to submit an Early Decision Agreement (PDF)(opens in new window).

Each year, Carnegie Mellon admits a small number of transfer students as space permits. The policy for transferring varies from college to college within Carnegie Mellon, so please carefully review the deadlines below as well as the transfer application instructions.

Fall Transfer (All colleges/schools except College of Fine Arts)

• Deadline: February 16*
• Notified by: May 17
• Enroll by: June 1

*All supporting documents must be received by March 1 for fall transfer.

Fall Transfer (College of Fine Arts)

• Deadline: December 1 for drama and music, January 5 for architecture, art and design*
• Notified by: April 1
• Enroll by: May 1

* All supporting documents must be received by February 16 for fall CFA transfer