How do regular decision release dates work?

After applying through regular decision, when should I expect to hear back from colleges? Are release dates the same for most schools, or do they vary a lot?

Regular decision release dates can indeed vary quite a bit depending on the school. While most colleges release their regular decision results in the late March to early April timeframe, the exact dates are left to the discretion of each institution. If you've applied to multiple schools, you will likely receive your decisions over a few weeks.

It's important to keep an eye on your email and application portals as this is typically the method schools use to communicate decisions. Occasionally, results may be delayed due to an unexpectedly high volume of applications, unforeseen circumstances, or administrative issues, so patience is key during this time.

Certain schools may have an established tradition of releasing admissions decisions on a specific date. For example, many Ivy League universities release their decisions on the so-called "Ivy Day", which falls on a pre-set date at the end of March. Other institutions, however, make and release decisions on a rolling basis, notifying applicants as soon as a decision has been reached.

Lastly, while waiting for your decisions, it's a good idea to stay engaged with your prospective schools (though remember that highly selective colleges generally do not consider demonstrated interest). Keeping up with their news updates, attending virtual events, and possibly communicating with current students can give you a deeper understanding of each school's community and values, which will help make your ultimate college choice once all your decisions have arrived.