Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Can you apply early for regular decision?

I'm planning on applying regular decision to a couple of schools, but I'm eager to get my applications in. Is there any advantage to submitting a regular decision application earlier than the deadline?

a year ago

Submitting your regular decision application ahead of the deadline won't necessarily give you an edge or higher chances of acceptance, as decisions are typically made after the application deadline has passed. Unlike rolling admissions, where decisions are made on an ongoing basis, regular decision applications are typically reviewed all at once after the final deadline.

However, there are several advantages to getting your application in early even for regular decision. You can get confirmation from your schools that your application is complete and that they received all necessary information. Moreover, it can give you peace of mind knowing it's done and you now have more time to focus on other things like your current schoolwork or maybe even another application if you're applying to multiple colleges.

Remember, while you can submit your application early, there is the risk of rushing and leaving important details unattended. Make sure to proofread your application carefully, review your essays, and ensure all required documents have been submitted. Keep in mind that quality trumps speed in admissions decisions.

Take the extra time to revise and refine your application before you submit - there is no rush. Colleges will not start reviewing regular decision applications until after the deadline, so submitting early won't get your application reviewed any sooner.

a year ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.