Summary:
Regular Decision (RD) is the standard college application process used by most U.S. universities. It typically has a deadline in January and allows students to apply to multiple schools without restrictions. Admissions decisions are usually released in March or April, and students have until May 1 to accept an offer.
What Is Regular Decision?
Regular Decision is the most common and flexible application plan. It gives students more time to prepare their materials—such as essays, test scores, and recommendation letters—and to improve their grades during the first half of their final year in high school. Students can apply to as many colleges as they wish under Regular Decision, and there is no commitment to attend if admitted.
Most selective colleges in the U.S., including both public and private institutions, offer Regular Decision as a primary or secondary option. Even students who apply early to other schools often submit Regular Decision applications to keep their options open.
How Does It Compare to Early Action and Early Decision?
Unlike Early Decision (ED), Regular Decision is non-binding, meaning students are free to choose among all their acceptance offers. Unlike Early Action (EA), it does not offer early results—students usually hear back in the springrather than the winter. Because of this, Regular Decision allows more time for test preparation, final grades, and thoughtful essay writing.
However, applying Regular Decision does not offer the same potential admissions advantage that Early Decision sometimes provides, since ED applicants show strong commitment to a school. Still, students applying RD are evaluated fairly and competitively based on the full strength of their academic record.