Regular Decision
The standard application deadline at most colleges, typically January 1 with decisions returned in late March or early April.
Regular Decision (RD) is the default application timeline at most four-year colleges. Most RD deadlines fall on January 1, January 15, or February 1. Decisions are typically returned in late March (for highly selective private schools, "Ivy Day" is the third Thursday in March) or in early April.
RD is the right choice for students who need the fall semester of senior year to demonstrate continued strong grades, who want to compare full financial-aid packages from multiple schools, or who need additional time to refine their applications.
RD admit rates are typically lower than ED at the same school because so much of the class is already filled by the early round. Parents weighing the strategic mix should consider one strong ED reach and a balanced set of RD targets and safeties.
Related terms
View all terms- Early DecisionA binding early-application option that requires the student to enroll if admitted. Typically due in November with December notification.
- Early ActionA non-binding early-application option that returns a decision in December but lets students apply elsewhere and choose later.
- Rolling AdmissionsAn admissions process where colleges review applications and return decisions on a continuous basis until the class is full.
- Admission RateThe percentage of applicants a college admits in a given year. Calculated by dividing total admitted students by total applicants.
- Yield RateThe percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll at a college. A high yield signals strong applicant preference.
- Holistic ReviewAn admissions process that evaluates the whole applicant — grades, scores, essays, activities, character — rather than relying on numbers alone.