Early Action has become incredibly popular, but Regular Decision still matters just as much. Many colleges fill the majority of their class in this round. A focused, well-organized December or January application can be just as competitive as anything submitted in October.
Once December decisions arrive, seniors shift into Regular Decision mode with a mix of hope, stress, or disappointment. This post gives counselors simple talking points and a student ready checklist that helps seniors stay steady and intentional.
1. Set Clear Expectations First
Students often think Regular Decision is a second attempt at Early Action. It helps to reframe it:
- RD is the largest review pool.
- Many colleges keep most of their seats for RD.
- Midyear grades, stronger supplements, and clarified major fit still make a real impact.
Talking point:
“Regular Decision is not a backup. It is the round colleges use to build most of their class.”
2. Build a Balanced RD List
December decisions can cause students to overcorrect. Help them rebuild their list with intention:
- 3 reach
- 3 target
- 3 likely
All nine should be affordable, realistic, and places the student would attend.
Common issues to prevent:
- All reaches
- No likely options
- Adding random schools they do not care about
- Ignoring cost or major alignment
Talking point:
“A balanced list gives you options and lowers stress later.”
3. Strengthen What Matters Most
Students do not need a brand new application. They need a sharper one.
Help them focus on four high impact areas:
- Midyear grades
- Major alignment across activities, essays, and courses
- Thoughtful, specific supplement essays
- Clean, error free materials
Talking point:
“You do not need to rewrite everything. You need to make the important parts clear and strong.”
4. Stop Panic Applying
Students often respond to a denial by adding huge numbers of schools without a plan.
Signs of panic applying:
- Adding schools they know nothing about
- Majors that do not match their background
- Last minute, low effort supplements
- Ignoring cost or fit
Redirect this energy:
- Improve supplements
- Strengthen midyear grades
- Contact reps with clear questions
- Rebuild a balanced list
Talking point:
“Good decisions come from planning, not panic.”
5. Portals and Missing Items
This is where stress builds.
What students need to know:
- Counselors cannot see their portal
- “Missing items” are often just processing delays
- Students must check regularly until receipt is confirmed
- Submitting the Common App and having a complete file are not the same thing
Talking point:
“Submitting your application is step one. The portal tells you if the college actually has everything.”
Resource: Regular Decision Checklist for Students
You can email this to seniors or post it on your counseling webpage.
Regular Decision Checklist
Your List
- My list has reach, target, and likely options.
- I understand cost and major fit at each school.
- I removed schools I am no longer interested in.
Your Application
- My activities are clear and organized.
- My supplements are thoughtful and specific.
- I checked everything for errors.
- My major interests make sense throughout my application.
Midyear Grades
- I am working to finish first semester strong.
- I know when my school sends midyear reports.
Portals
- I will set up each portal as soon as it arrives.
- I will check for missing items.
- I will respond to any college requests quickly.
Communication
- I know who my regional rep is if the college lists one.
- I will only contact the rep with a specific question.
- I will keep my counselor updated.
Closing
Regular Decision gives students room to grow, improve, and be intentional. A steady plan, a balanced list, and a clear understanding of what matters can transform this part of the process. Counselors play the strongest role in helping students avoid panic and stay focused on opportunity.
If you have ideas for future posts or want to share what helps at your school, email me anytime at jeremy@higheredification.org.