The MSDS Residential program begins in August, with one annual application cycle. We offer three application options: Priority Decision, Regular Decision, and Rolling Decision.
Deadlines
| Priority Decision | Regular Decision | Rolling | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Opens | Aug. 15 | ||
| Application Deadline | Dec. 15 | March 1 | June 15 |
| Deadline for Supplementary Materials (See “Required materials” below) | Dec. 22 | March 8 | June 22 |
| FAFSA Deadline (Preferred) | March 1 | ||
| Decision Release Date | Feb. 1 | March 15 | Rolling May - July, including offers from the Waitlist |
| Deadline to Respond to Offer | March 1 | April 15 | As noted in offer letter |
| Waitlist Closes | Aug. 1 | Those not admitted from the waitlist will have the option to begin the MSDS Online program in a future term | |
Required materials: 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. 15, and applicants will receive an admission decision on Feb. 1. Priority applicants must respond to the offer of admission in their application portal by March 1.
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 March 1. Applications for Regular Decision will receive an admission decision on March 15. Regular Decision applicants must respond to the offer of admission in their application portal by April 15.
Rolling admissions runs from March 2 to June 15, with decisions released on a space-available basis through the end of June.
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. Note that waitlist offers may not request a deferral. The waitlist closes on Aug. 1.
All deadlines close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.
Upcoming Admissions Events
Weekly Virtual Resume Reviews & Financial Aid Drop-Ins
Tuesdays & Fridays | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET | Register
Virtual MSDS Residential & Online Information Session
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 12-12:30 p.m. ET | Register
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | 7-7:30 p.m. ET | Register
Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 | 12-12:30 p.m. ET | Register
Admitted Student Events
The School of Data Science will invite admitted students to connect with current and prospective MSDS Residential students, and to engage with faculty and staff to learn more about the program.
Admitted International Student Q&A | Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. ET
Virtual Admitted Student Session | Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 | 3-4:30 p.m. ET
Admitted Students Day (Priority Decision) | Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 | 12-4 p.m. ET
Admitted International Student Q&A | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. ET
Virtual Admitted Students Day (Regular Decision) | Friday, March 27, 2026 | 12-1:30 p.m. ET
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 time and are virtual, unless otherwise noted.
