If you didn’t apply Early Action or Early Decision — don’t worry! Regular Decision is still the most common way students apply to college, and there’s plenty of time to put together a strong application. The key is to stay organized and meet every deadline with confidence.

Here’s what students (and parents!) should know:

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🗓️ 1. Know Your Deadlines

Most Regular Decision deadlines fall between January 1 and February 1, but every college is different.
✅ Make a list of each school and its specific due date.
✅ Note separate deadlines for financial aid forms, scholarship applications, and housing or honors programs.

💡 Tip: Use a simple spreadsheet or planner to track submission status for each item — essays, test scores, transcripts, recommendations, and fees.

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🧾 2. Review Every Section Before You Hit Submit

Before you send off your application:

• Recheck your personal information (especially email and address).
• Proofread your essays for grammar, clarity, and flow.
• Double-check that your activities list highlights leadership, impact, and consistency.
• Make sure your Common App or Coalition App reflects any updates from fall semester.

💡 Tip: Have a parent, teacher, or counselor give your application a quick review before submitting — a fresh pair of eyes can catch small mistakes.

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🏫 3. Send Test Scores, Transcripts & Recommendations

Colleges need all official materials before your file is complete:

• Test scores: Order from College Board or ACT if required.
• Transcripts: Ask your school counselor to send them electronically.
• Recommendation letters: Confirm that teachers and counselors have submitted theirs.

💡 Tip: Don’t wait until the deadline week — many systems experience delays due to high volume.

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💰 4. Submit Financial Aid Forms

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and, if required, the CSS Profile.
• Check each college’s financial aid page for school-specific forms or priority deadlines.

💡 Tip: Submitting financial aid forms early ensures the best access to grants and scholarships.

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✉️ 5. Confirm & Track Everything

After submitting:

• Save confirmation emails or screenshots for your records.
• Create a folder for each college with copies of essays, logins, and correspondence.
• Check your application portals weekly for updates or missing items.

💡 Tip: Some colleges send follow-up forms or requests — don’t miss them in your email spam folder!

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🌟 Final Encouragement

Submitting Regular Decision applications is a huge milestone — celebrate it!
You’ve invested time, energy, and effort into your future. Once your applications are in, take a deep breath, enjoy the holidays, and look ahead to your next steps like scholarships, campus visits, and decision letters in the spring.