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There are three different timeline options for applying as a first-year student to Chapman:

• Early Action (non-binding): November 1 deadline
• Early Decision (binding): November 1 deadline
• Regular Decision (non-binding): January 15 deadline

In addition, the following programs have November 1 deadlines:

• Film and Television Production (priority)
• Dance (priority)
• Accelerated Pre-Pharmacy Experience Program (APEx) (priority)
• Theatre Performance (priority)
• Screen Acting (priority)
• Writing for Film & Television (priority)

The deadlines for counselors to submit transcripts and recommendation letters are the same as student application deadlines.

Scholarships for students in the College of Performing Arts are prioritized for students who apply Early Action, Early Decision or by the priority deadline.

Early Action (EA)

• Early Action (EA) is a non-binding early deadline.
• EA applications are due November 1.
• EA applicants may apply to other Early Action colleges.
• Binding Early Decision and Early Decision II program applicants to other schools can also apply Early Action to Chapman.

Early Decision (ED)

• Early Decision (ED) is a binding early deadline. This option is appropriate only if Chapman is a student’s first choice.
• ED applications are due November 1.
• Binding means that the student must commit to enroll at Chapman if admitted. ED applicants cannot apply Early Decision to other institutions.
• ED applicants can apply EA to other colleges, but must withdraw those applications if admitted to Chapman.

Regular Decision (RD)

Regular Decision (RD) is a non-binding deadline and is chosen by the majority of our applicants. Decision notification for RD is in mid-March.

• RD applications for Fall are due January 15.
• RD applicants may apply ED or EA to other institutions.

A Creative Supplement must be submitted by applicants to programs in the:

• College of Performing Arts
• Dodge College of Film and Media Arts 
• Department of Art (excluding Art History)

Along with the Common Application, applicants must submit answers to two short-answer questions and compile a list of fast facts.

Visit our Application Tips page to learn more.

Visit our Facts & Rankings page for general statistics and rankings information about Chapman University.

You can use Chapman University’s Datamart for retention and graduation rates, information about degrees awarded, student and faculty headcounts and more.

Chapman had a 64% acceptance rate for first-year applicants applying for fall 2024. Talent majors are generally our most competitive programs.

You can learn how Chapman reviews undergraduate applications on our Application Review Process page.