What does regular decision mean in college?

Could someone please explain to me what the regular decision process is and how it differs from other college applications like early action or early decision?

Regular decision is the standard college application process where applicants submit their applications by a specified deadline, typically in early January, and receive a decision around late March or early April. Regular decision applicants are not bound to attend if they're admitted, and if accepted, they have until May 1st, also known as National College Decision Day, to accept their offer of admission and secure their spot by submitting an enrollment deposit.

This differs from Early Action (EA) and Early Decision (ED) application processes, which have earlier deadlines (usually in November) and transmit admissions decisions earlier (typically in December). In the Early Action process, students similarly apply early and receive decisions ahead of the regular timeline, but they are not obligated to enroll if accepted. This gives students more time to compare acceptances, financial aid packages, and make a more informed decision before committing to a college.

Early Decision, however, is a binding agreement. If admitted under ED, a student agrees to attend that college and withdraw all other applications. Students typically apply ED to their top-choice college. It's important for students to be certain that the ED school is their top choice and that their family has done thorough research on affordability based on the school's net price calculator since backing out of an ED acceptance is often only possible under extenuating circumstances (like insufficient financial aid).

In summary, Regular Decision differs from Early Action and Early Decision in terms of application deadlines, notification dates, and commitment level. Regular Decision applications typically have later deadlines and give students more time to finalize their college applications with no binding commitment if accepted. On the other hand, EA and ED applications have earlier deadlines and deliver earlier decisions, but have no commitment requirement for EA candidates, while ED candidates are obligated to attend the institution if offered admission.