What is the definition of regular decision in college admissions?

I've been reading a lot about different admissions options, but I'd like a clear definition of what regular decision is and how it differs from other types of admissions processes.

Regular Decision is the standard process by which students apply to college, typically with a deadline in January or February, although this can slightly vary from college to college. Once the application is submitted by the deadline, students can expect to receive a decision by April.

There is a major difference between Regular Decision and the other primary admission options, Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED). For both EA and ED, the deadlines are typically in November of senior year, and students receive their admissions decisions earlier, usually by December or early January.

EA is non-binding, meaning that students are free to apply to as many colleges as they want and can wait until May 1 (National Decision Day) to decide where they want to attend. In contrast, ED is binding, meaning a student agrees to attend the college if accepted and must withdraw all other applications once admitted.

Regular Decision is non-binding like EA, but it has a later deadline and students will learn the decision later. While Regular Decision doesn't provide the potential statistical advantage that applying ED might offer at select schools, it does allow students more time to complete their applications, weigh their options, and potentially raise their grades or test scores. It also gives students more time to demonstrate interest through campus visits or interactions with admissions staff. Ultimately, it's essential that students select the application process that best fits their specific circumstances and needs.