As a high school senior, you’re facing one of the biggest decisions of your life: where to go to college. But this decision isn’t just about choosing the school with the best programs, campus vibe, or student culture. It’s also about how to make it work financially. That’s where the timing of your college applications can have a big impact.
While options like Early Action and Early Decision may sound appealing for getting a jumpstart on the admissions process, if financial aid is a priority for you, Regular Decision might be your best bet. Here’s why applying through Regular Decision gives you more time and flexibility to evaluate your financial aid options, compare offers from multiple schools, and make the best financial choice for you and your family.
What Is Regular Decision?
Regular Decision is the standard college application process. For most schools, the RD deadline falls in January (typically January 1st or 15th), and applicants usually receive their admissions decisions in March or April. Unlike Early Decision, which is binding, Regular Decision gives you time to consider multiple schools and financial aid offers before making your final commitment, which is due by May 1st.
Why Regular Decision Gives You More Time to Compare Financial Aid Offers
#1: Financial Aid Packages Arrive After Acceptance
One of the most significant advantages of applying Regular Decision is that you’ll typically receive both your admission decision and your financial aid package around the same time (usually in March or April). This means you can compare not only the acceptance offers from multiple schools but also the financial aid packages that come with them.
This timing is crucial for making a fully informed decision about which school fits your academic and financial needs. It ensures you can weigh all options side-by-side, allowing you to pick the best value for your family.
#2. You Can Apply to Multiple Schools and Compare Offers
Unlike Early Action, where you might only have one offer to evaluate, applying Regular Decision gives you the freedom to apply to multiple schools. After receiving your acceptance and financial aid packages, you can compare the offers from different schools to determine which one offers the best value.
In particular, you’ll be able to compare grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study – all with the cost of attendance. By comparing the full financial picture, including tuition, room and board, and any additional fees, you can get a clearer sense of what you’ll need to pay.
#3. You Have More Time to Make Financial Adjustments
If your family’s financial situation changes after applying, Regular Decision allows more flexibility to address those changes. Whether your parent’s job status shifts or unexpected expenses arise, you’ll have time to adjust your financial aid application and communicate with schools about your circumstances. Additionally, if your financial aid package isn’t sufficient, you’ll have more time to appeal or negotiate for additional funding.
#4. You Can Maximize Scholarship Opportunities
Many colleges and universities offer merit-based scholarships to Regular Decision applicants, particularly those who apply by the school’s priority deadlines. These scholarships can sometimes be more generous for Regular Decision applicants than for those applying Early Action, as schools may allocate the majority of their funds to students who apply later in the cycle.
#5. More Time to Submit Financial Aid Forms
For students applying Regular Decision, the financial aid deadlines may align more closely with when the family has completed their taxes and other financial documents. Since the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens on October 1st (December 1st this year!) each year, Regular Decision gives you more time to ensure your financial aid forms are complete and submitted accurately before the official deadline.
While applying Early Action may be appealing for students eager to know their college fate early, Regular Decision is often the best choice for families who want to make a fully informed decision about both college admissions and financial aid. Remember, the college decision is not just about where you’ll thrive academically, but also where you can afford to attend.
Good luck with your college planning, and remember to prioritize both your academic goals and financial needs!
More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors
Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.