Our Angle on First-year Spring Enrollment

While most prospective first-year students apply to Denison University intending to enroll during the fall semester, we are pleased to offer interested students the opportunity to begin their Denison experience in the spring semester. Denison’s spring enrollment program allows students the chance to pursue a gap semester. Many students who chose a spring enrollment path may use their time to travel, participate in service, athletic, or artistic programs, spend time with family, practice some self care, complete an internship or job experience, read all of Proust, or many other noble pursuits.

The Application Process

Our admission deadlines remain the same regardless of preferred semester start, and Denison releases admission decisions for both fall and spring semester students at the same time — rolling from November through February for Early Decision applicants and by April 1 for Regular Decision applicants.

How do I indicate my preference? It’s simple. When completing the application, students can select the term they prefer to start their college experience. Additionally, students can update their semester start preference through the enrollment preferences form in their applicant portal after their applications have been submitted. Note that the preference a student indicates has no impact on a student’s admissibility to Denison. While we strive to achieve student preference, we cannot guarantee that a student will be admitted for their preferred semester start.


Spring Enrollment FAQ: