The MSDS Residential program will begin in August, with one annual application cycle. We offer three application options: Priority Decision, Regular Decision, and Final Decision.
Deadlines for Fall 2026 Entry
| Priority Decision | Regular Decision | Final Decision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Opens | Aug. 15, 2025 | ||
| Application Deadline | Dec. 1, 2025 | Feb. 1, 2026 | May 1, 2026 |
| Deadline for Supplementary Materials* | Dec. 8, 2025 | Feb. 8, 2026 | May 8, 2026 |
| FAFSA Deadline (Preferred) | March 1, 2026 | ||
| Decision Release Date | Feb. 1, 2026 | March 15, 2026 | As available |
| Deadline to Respond to Offer | March 1, 2026 | April 15, 2026 | As noted in offer letter |
| Offers from the Waitlist (if available) | May-July 2026 | ||
| Waitlist Closes | Aug. 1, 2026 | ||
*Supplementary Materials include transcripts, TOEFL or IELTS test scores (if required), and letter(s) of recommendation. We do not accept research papers, articles, statements of purpose, GRE scores, or other supplementary items aside from those required for the application.
For questions about the application process, check out the Frequently Asked Questions or schedule a time to meet with the admissions team.
Priority Decision is for those wishing to be considered for early admission and need-based financial aid. The deadline for Priority Decision is Dec. 1, 2025, and applicants will receive an admission decision on Feb. 1, 2026. Priority applicants must respond to the offer of admission in their application portal by March 1, 2026.
Some applicants applying for Priority Decision may be Deferred to Regular Decision, meaning we will re-review their applications in the Regular Decision round.
Regular Decision application deadline is Feb. 1, 2026. Applications for Regular Decision will receive an admission decision on March 15, 2026. Regular Decision applicants must respond to the offer of admission in their application portal by April 15, 2026.
Final Decision application deadline is May 1, 2026, pending available seats in the class; these will likely be limited to offers to join the waitlist.
Admission offers from the waitlist are made on a space-available basis and vary year to year. If we can make any offers from the waitlist, it would happen in May, June, or July. If we can make any offers, we will give you a call, and if you accept, you must submit your tuition deposit within 72 hours to secure your spot in the cohort; note that waitlist offers may not request a deferral. The waitlist closes on Aug. 1.
All deadlines close at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Engage with Us
Sign up for an event or schedule a 1:1 admissions advising appointment or drop-in Q&A. Our team is here to help every step of the way. Note all events are in Eastern Standard Time and are virtual, unless otherwise noted.
