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Regular Decision

What is regular decision?

Regular decision is a type of college admission process in which you apply by a standard application deadline and receive an admission decision later in the academic year. It is a common way to apply to college because it gives you time to work on your application, compare schools and programs, and weigh your options.

How does regular decision work?

To apply through regular decision, you must submit your application and any required materials by a college or university’s specific regular decision deadline. Different institutions may ask for different materials, such as transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, or other items. You may also need to pay a fee to have your application processed.

After the regular decision deadline, the admissions team reviews applications. After reviewing your application, you may be accepted, denied, or waitlisted. Then, you must choose whether you will enroll by the college or university’s acceptance deadline.

At 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, we’re test-optional and free to apply to, making the regular decision process more accessible. Better still, thanks to UB’s rolling admissions process, you receive a decision shortly after submitting your application. Learn more about UB’s admissions requirements.

Regular decision deadlines

Most regular decision deadlines will be between January and March. However, specific deadlines vary, so review the admissions process for every school you apply to.

Also note deadlines for financial aid applications, food and housing deposits, or other important deadlines that may affect your ability to enroll.

Pros and cons of regular decision

The regular decision process has advantages and disadvantages to consider before you begin applying to schools.

Pros of regular decision include:

• More time to apply: You’ll have more time to prepare your application, gather any required materials, and complete any steps you may be missing. If you want to make yourself a stronger candidate, regular decision can also give you time to boost your academics, increase your extracurricular participation, or retake any required tests.
• More flexibility: Some early decision processes require you to enroll if you’re accepted. However, regular decision doesn’t require you to commit as soon as you apply. Likewise, the regular decision process gives you room to apply to plenty of colleges and compare their admission and financial aid offers.

Cons of regular decision include:

• Later admissions decisions: If you apply through regular decision, you typically have to wait longer to receive an answer.
• Potentially less availability: Programs, scholarship opportunities, and housing options may be more limited by the time you receive an admissions decision. These factors can also affect your acceptance. For example, if seats are limited in a given major, early decision or early action can improve your chances of securing a spot.

Ultimately, the best application option depends on your academic goals, timeline, and college preferences.

Regular decision vs. early action

When you apply through early action, your deadline will often be in the fall rather than winter. You may receive an admissions decision as soon as December or January.

Early action differs from early decision. It is more comparable to the regular decision process, as it does not require a commitment.

Early action can be a good option for students who want to learn their admissions result sooner. Regular decision may be a better fit for students who need additional time to complete their applications, improve their academic record, or compare their college options.

Before choosing an application plan, review each college's deadlines and admission policies to determine which option best fits your circumstances.

With rolling admissions, no application fee, and no test scores required, UB makes applying to college less stressful and more accessible. We offer 25+ undergraduate majors, expert faculty, and countless ways to get involved on campus  — so there’s no limit to where UB can lead you. Learn more about becoming a Purple Knight today.