<p>When they say no later than 12/15 or 12/15, does that mean around that date or can the answer come much sooner?</p>
<p>I can’t give an official answer but I have a current student and a second child who has applied ED, so I can give you an educated guess. Traditionally Bates has sent ED replies by snail mail, with the letters sent on or shortly before 12/20. Two years ago the letters arrived on the 21st-22nd. </p>
<p>My sense, both from the Bates email and history, is that this year Bates will be sending ED notifications by email (or rather, you’ll get an email telling you to check the portal) on or close to the 15th. It won’t hurt to keep checking your email but I wouldn’t expect anything to come in in the next two weeks.</p>
<p>@Labs123 i also applied early decision! My rep told me that they are aiming to release acceptance notifications on december 13th. But at the latest you will hear by the 16th! Good luck!</p>