What Is Regular Decision?
Regular decision is the standard round of college admissions in the United States. Students submit applications by a deadline, typically in January or early February, and receive decisions together in late March or early April. The round is non-binding, so admitted students may choose among their offers until the common reply date, usually May 1.
How it works
You submit your application, including essays, transcripts, test scores if applicable and recommendations, by the college's regular decision deadline. Colleges review applications in a batch and send decisions on announced dates. You may be admitted, denied or waitlisted, and sometimes deferred if you applied in an early round.
You can apply to as many colleges as you wish, subject to fees and the Common App limits, and apply for financial aid at the same time. Aid offers arrive with admission decisions, so you can compare costs.
Compared with other rounds
- Early decision: a binding round with an earlier deadline.
- Early action: non-binding with an early decision.
- Restrictive early action: non-binding but limits other early applications.
- Rolling admission: decisions are made as applications arrive.
Many selective colleges admit a larger share of their class in early rounds, though the pool differs. Regular decision is often the better choice if you need more time to improve grades or test scores, write strong essays or compare options.
Tips
- Start early, even if your deadline is in January, since essays take time.
- Check each college's dates and requirements.
- Request recommendations and transcripts well in advance.
- Submit financial aid forms by their deadlines, which may be separate.
- Keep your grades strong, since colleges receive mid-year reports and final transcripts.
- Prepare for the waitlist, by confirming your interest and having a backup plan.
After decisions
Compare offers, costs and fit, visit if possible and make your choice by May 1. If you are waitlisted, follow the instructions and decide whether to stay on the list.
Related terms
See restrictive early action, yield rate, deferred enrollment, acceptance rate and test-optional admissions.
Frequently asked questions
When are regular decision deadlines?
Commonly between early January and mid-February, with decisions released in late March or early April. Deadlines vary by college.
Is regular decision binding?
No. You can apply to as many colleges as you like, compare offers and decide by the national reply date, usually May 1.
Is regular decision harder than early rounds?
At many selective colleges, admit rates in regular decision are lower than in early rounds, partly because the pools differ. Apply early only if you are prepared and committed.