What is Regular Decision for college applications?

I'm a junior starting to look at college application processes, and I keep seeing the term 'Regular Decision.' Can someone explain what exactly this means and how it works compared to other application types?

Sure, I'd be more than happy to help shed some light on that. Regular Decision (RD) is the standard process by which students apply for admission to a university. The deadline for RD is typically sometime in January but varies by institution, so make sure to research the exact date for any schools you're interested in. Chances of admission can often be slightly lower in the RD round, depending on the school's admissions practices, as a portion of the class will have already been admitted in the Early Decision or Early Action rounds.

Another key component of RD is that you're under no obligation to attend if you're accepted. This contrasts with the Early Decision (ED) process, where if accepted, you are generally expected to enroll unless you have a significant financial reason that prevents you from doing so.

One advantage RD offers is extended time for ACT/SAT testing, final semester grades, and the overall improvement of your academic profile. It also allows for more time to polish your essays and gather your recommendations.

After the RD deadline, the admissions office will review all the applications they've received and will usually release decisions in the spring, typically by April 1.

So essentially, RD is a non-binding, standard college application process with later deadlines and notification dates compared to ED or EA. It's important, though, to make sure you understand the specifics for each school you're interested in, as timelines and policies can vary.