What to Expect on Regular Decision Day?

For those who have gone through it, what exactly happens on Regular Decision Day? Is it just a matter of checking online, or are there other things I should prepare for on that date?

The regular decision day experience can vary slightly from college to college, but in general, it's a day when universities will release the majority of their admissions decisions. You will typically receive an email notifying you that your decision is available. The email itself usually will not contain the outcome, but will point you to the college's application portal where you log in to view your admission decision.

Although it is ultimately a process of checking your application status online, there are a few things to keep in mind as you approach Regular Decision Day:

- Check your email and application portal regularly starting from early morning: Colleges release decisions throughout the day - some in the morning, others in the afternoon or evening. If possible, you'll want to keep an eye on your email and the college's application portal throughout the day.

- Be prepared for different outcomes: This can be a day of mixed emotions. You may be accepted into some colleges, waitlisted at others, or even denied from some schools. Remember, all of these outcomes are part of the process and it's not unusual to experience a mix of acceptance, waitlist, and rejection letters.

- Plan for self-care: It’s an emotionally charged day, so consider planning some self-care activities. This could be anything from hanging out with friends (either in-person or virtually), watching your favorite movie, or going on a walk to clear your head.

- Arrange for quiet, private space: If you feel comfortable, you may want to share the moment of checking your decisions with family or friends. However, you should also arrange for some private space to process the outcomes, whether that's good news or disappointing results.

- Be respectful of others' results: If you have friends or classmates who are also receiving decisions, be mindful and respectful of their feelings. Everyone may not get the news they hoped for, so it's crucial to respond to others' outcomes with empathy and understanding.

Remember, no matter the outcomes, this day marks a significant milestone in your educational journey. Over time, it often becomes clear that where you go to college is just one part of your larger story. Whatever results you receive, they do not necessarily dictate your potential for future success.