Cons of applying regular decision?

Is it bad to apply for colleges through regular decision instead of early action/decision? Will I have a lower chance of getting into the schools I want if I don't apply early?

Applying through Regular Decision (RD) is not inherently bad, but there are certain advantages to applying Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA) that you may miss out on. I'll outline some of these considerations below:

1. Acceptance rates: In general, acceptance rates tend to be higher for ED and EA applicants compared to RD applicants. Applying ED is going to result in a roughly 1.6x or a 60% increase in your chances of admission to super selective schools (although the exact boost depends on the school), and while applying EA has a smaller impact, it still boosts your chances.

2. Demonstrated interest: Particularly for ED (since it is binding), applying early can show a higher level of interest in a particular college, which can improve your chances of admission. Some schools take demonstrated interest into account when making admissions decisions.

3. Reduced stress and time: If you are admitted through ED or EA, it can significantly reduce the stress associated with the college application process as you know you have a secure spot at a school you love. This assurance can also save you time and potentially money (as many schools charge you a fee to submit your Common App to them) on additional applications.

4. Financial Aid: This concern is more relevant to ED rather than EA. If you apply ED and get accepted, you are committed to attending that college, and it could limit your ability to compare financial aid packages from different schools. EA offers the flexibility to compare financial aid offers before making a decision. Do note that if you are accepted somewhere ED but the financial aid package is truly insufficient, that is one of the few legitimate reasons for backing out of your ED agreement. However, that process is still one you ideally want to avoid, as it can be stressful and also bring heartbreak over being accepted to your dream school but being unable to attend.

5. Additional time for application improvement: If you need more time to strengthen your application (e.g., raise grades, improve test scores, or enhance extracurriculars), applying through Regular Decision can give you that extra time to make improvements.

Ultimately, the choice between ED/EA and RD will depend on your individual circumstances, preferences, and the strength of your application. Keep in mind that a strong application will still be competitive in the RD round, so prioritize the aspects that best support your academic and personal needs. Good luck with figuring out which admissions timeline is right for you!