Is Regular Decision Non-Binding?

I'm a bit confused about the whole college application process and wanted to clarify something. Is regular decision non-binding for all colleges, or do some schools have different policies? Any advice about how to approach this is appreciated!

Yes, Regular Decision is non-binding. When you apply to a college via Regular Decision, it means that you are under no obligation to attend that school if you are admitted. Once you receive all your decisions - typically by April - you have until May 1st (known as National College Decision Day) to consider your options and choose where to enroll.

Some schools might offer an Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) option. These are a bit different - ED is binding, which means if you're accepted, you are obligated to attend that school. On the other hand, EA is not binding, similar to Regular Decision.

In your application process, it's important to know these terms and be aware of what decision plan works best for you. Keep track of all the different application deadlines for each school and each type of decision so that you do not miss any opportunities. Be mindful of the commitments that come with each. If you're unsure about enrolling in a particular university, then Regular Decision or Early Action might be best as they provide more flexibility. On the other hand, if you have a clear top-choice school and feel confident in your application, Early Decision could be a strategic choice. But remember, you should only apply ED if you are 100% sure that is the school you want to attend, and you have checked that it is financially feasible for you and your family.