Understanding the meaning of regular decision

I've heard of regular decision when applying to college, but I'm not entirely sure what it means. Can someone explain how it works and how it affects my college application process?

Sure, I'd be happy to clarify! Regular Decision (RD) is the most common application process used by colleges and universities. If you apply under Regular Decision, you submit your application by a specific deadline, often in January or February, and can usually expect to receive an admission decision from the college in late March or early April.

The application process for Regular Decision is pretty standard across the board, regardless of which college or university you're applying to. You will submit general application materials such as your high school transcript, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and any required supplementary essays. This is also the application type where you can submit additional material after the application deadline (like your first-semester senior year grades) before decisions are released.

The main benefit of Regular Decision is that it provides students maximum time to prepare their applications. This includes taking standardized tests, drafting essays, and gathering letters of recommendation. Unlike Early Decision (ED), Regular Decision is non-binding, which means that you are not obliged to attend if you're accepted, giving you the ability to compare financial aid packages from multiple colleges before making a final decision.

Remember to stay on top of application requirements and deadlines for each individual school, as they can vary a bit, though most RD colleges will give you until May 1st (also known as National College Decision Day) to make your choice.

I hope this helps shed some light on the process! Regular Decision can be a great choice for many students, maximizing your options and allowing for plenty of prep time.