Does regular decision offer scholarships in general?

I'm trying to figure out if applying through regular decision limits my chances of getting scholarships. Do colleges generally offer the same scholarships to regular decision applicants as they do for others?

It's a common concern, but rest assured, you won't necessarily have a reduced chance of receiving scholarships if you apply Regular Decision (RD). The availability and amount of scholarships vary greatly among schools. Some universities might offer merit-based scholarships on a rolling basis for students who apply early, whereas others allocate their scholarships evenly among all admitting cycles.

It is true that certain schools offer Early Decision or Early Action specific scholarships or have priority scholarship deadlines that may fall in line with their early admission timelines. However, many universities will have funds set aside for RD applicants as well.

While applying early can sometimes give you a better shot at some scholarships, many colleges also offer substantial financial aid packages for students who apply Regular Decision. Financial aid is often determined independently from the application process, so your aid package will be assessed based on your calculated financial need, regardless of when you submitted your application.

Your best course of action is to research each individual school's scholarship policies and deadlines. Many colleges have information regarding scholarships on their financial aid websites, or you could reach out to the financial aid office directly. Keep in mind to also apply for external scholarships, which aren't tied to any specific college or application timeline.

In the end, you should choose the application option (EA, ED, or RD) that best suits your particular circumstances and gives you the most time to present your strongest application. Your primary focus should be on submitting the best application possible, no matter what the deadline is. Good luck!