What are the benefits of applying regular decision?

I'm weighing my options between applying early decision or regular decision to several schools. What are some benefits of going with regular decision, especially in terms of having more time to prepare my application?

Applying Regular Decision comes with several advantages.

Firstly, it provides additional time to present a strong application. The deadlines for Regular Decision generally fall in January, which can give you a few extra months to improve your grades, take or retake standardized tests, engage more deeply in your extracurriculars, and perfect your essays compared to early application deadlines.

Secondly, Regular Decision does not come with any binding commitments like Early Decision. This means you’ll have more flexibility in your choice. You can apply to multiple colleges and then compare all your admission offers and financial aid packages side by side in the spring before making the final decision.

Thirdly, applying Regular Decision gives you more time to demonstrate interest in a school. This can include activities like going on a campus tour, attending a virtual information session, or scheduling an interview if the college offers one.

Another advantage could be portfolio or audition preparation for specific programs, such as music, art, or drama. The extra time can be highly beneficial if you need to prepare an audition or assemble an art portfolio as part of your application.

One final thing to note, you also have more time to ascertain a college's fit and feel, which can enhance your 'Why This College' essays and potential interviews. The longer timeline provides you with the opportunity to conduct more extensive research about each institution, reach out to current students or alumni, and visit campuses if possible.

Keep in mind, however, that applying Regular Decision could be somewhat more competitive than Early Action and Early Decision due to the larger applicant pool. It's essential to weigh these considerations carefully when deciding which application route to choose.