University of Miami's regular decision process insights?

I'm considering applying regular decision to the University of Miami. How does their regular decision process work, and what should I be aware of in terms of timeline and requirements?

The University of Miami's regular decision application deadline is generally around January 6th. This is the date by which all your application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and the application itself, should be submitted.

Once the deadline crosses, the admission officers review the applications. Due to the volume of applications they receive, it may take a while before you get any update on your status. Decisions are usually announced around late March or early April.

As for the requirements, there are a few different parts to the application. First, you will need to submit your high school transcript, which should show both your grades and the strength of your course schedule throughout your high school career. Hand in hand with this is your standardized test scores (either SAT or ACT). Note that the University of Miami is test-optional for the 2025-2026 application cycle meaning you can choose to include or exclude these scores.

Moreover, the university requires you to submit a personal essay. This essay provides you a chance to showcase a part of yourself that's not illuminated by your grades and test scores. It's a chance to discuss your backgrounds, experiences, and what makes you unique. The university also asks for a letter of recommendation, typically one from your guidance counselor or another from a teacher of your choice. These letters give the admissions staff a better understanding of your character and aptitude outside of a purely academic context.

Lastly, though not a requirement, it's beneficial to detail your significant extracurricular activities and involvements. This could include clubs, sports, volunteer work, or any others. It indicates to the university that you're not solely focused on academics and have passions outside of school as well.

Remember to double-check all the specifics on the official University of Miami website or its Common Application page. All the best with your application!