College Application Deadlines: Regular Decision

“The best offense is a good defense.” Being prepared is the key to college admissions success. Many seniors have already taken advantage of higher acceptance rates in the early application rounds and submitted their first batch of applications, but now is not the time to sit back! While we’re cheering for acceptances to your dream schools, it’s important to remember that many students will face deferrals or denials next month. This is why staying prepared is essential, ensuring you’re ready to tackle any outcomes with a well-thought-out plan.

SHOW THEM WHAT YOU’VE GOT!

Regular decision is your final opportunity to show colleges why you’re a great fit, so keep working on your essays and finish your regular round applications now—just in case! With holiday travel and winter breaks approaching, staying on top of these deadlines is essential to make sure your applications are submitted on time. If the early round results don’t go as hoped, you’ll be ready to hit “submit” on your regular decision applications without delay.

Here’s a guide to the Class of 2029 Regular Decision deadlines to help you stay organized and avoid unnecessary stress.

FIVE TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL REGULAR DECISION APPLICATION SEASON

1. PREPAREDNESS: Don’t wait until the last minute to start working on your applications. Work smarter, not harder! Use what you learned during the early rounds to refine your personal statement if needed, add any new awards or accolades to your resume and get your supplements finalized (We can help!) to avoid last-minute stress.
2. ORGANIZATION: Just like you did for your early schools, create a checklist for each college you’re applying to in the regular round. Note each school’s specific requirements: Are there writing supplements? Is it test-optional or test-required? Do they require the SRAR? Some schools have additional deadlines or requirements for financial aid, so be sure to check that out as well.
3. AVOID TECHNICAL GLITCHES: Don’t trust the tech! Technical glitches do happen and can be a nightmare on deadline day. Make sure to submit your applications at least a week prior to the deadline. Double-check that all documents are uploaded to your portal and you have your green checks after reviewing each section carefully.
4. YOU’RE NOT ALONE: If you’re struggling with any part of the application, whether it’s the personal statement, interview preparation, or simply staying on track and organized, don’t hesitate to ask teachers, school counselors, family members, OR US for guidance.
5. RELAX: After all your hard work, take a moment to relax. Regular decisions will be out in March or April, and you’ll have plenty of time to consider your options and visit campuses before the May 1 decision day.

TTA TOP TIP: If you missed the Early Decision I deadlines in November and are still seeking a binding option (where acceptance rates are often much higher than the regular round), consider Early Decision II. Many smaller liberal colleges and larger research universities offer this admissions plan.

Mark your calendars! We’ve rounded up a list of regular decision deadline dates to help you plan ahead:

COLLEGE APPLICATION DEADLINES: REGULAR DECISION

Amherst College	January 6th
Babson College	January 2nd
Barnard College	January 6th
Bates College	January 10th
Baylor University	February 1st
Brandeis University	January 2nd
Boston College	January 2nd
Bowdoin College	January 6th
Boston University	January 6th
Brown University	January 3rd
Bucknell University	January 15th
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	January 3rd
Carnegie Mellon University	January 2nd
Claremont McKenna College	January 10th
Colby College	January 3rd
Colgate University	January 15th
Columbia University	January 1st
Connecticut College	January 15th
Cornell University	January 2nd
Dartmouth College	January 2nd
Dickinson College	January 15th
Duke University	January 2nd
Emerson College	January 15th
Emory University	January 1st
Georgetown University	January 10th
Hamilton College	January 6th
Harvard University	January 1st
Harvey Mudd College	January 5th
Haverford College	By January 10th
James Madison University	January 15th
Johns Hopkins University	January 2nd
Macalester College	January 15th
MIT	January 6th
Middlebury College	January 3rd
New York University	January 5th
Northeastern University	January 1st
Northwestern University	January 2nd
Pomona College	January 8th
Purdue University	January 15th
Rice University	January 4th
Santa Clara University	January 7th
Stanford University	January 5th
Swarthmore College	January 4th
Tufts University	January 6th
Tulane University	January 15th
University of California Campuses	October 1st – December 2nd
University of Chicago	January 6th
University of Georgia	January 1st
University of Illinois	January 5th
University of Maryland	January 20th
University of Michigan	February 1st
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	January 15th
University of Notre Dame	January 1st
University of Pennsylvania	January 5th
University of Richmond	January 1st
University of South Carolina	December 1st
University of Texas – Austin	December 1st
University of Virginia	January 5th
Vanderbilt University	January 1st
Villanova University	January 15th
Wake Forest University	January 1st
Washington University in St. Louis	January 2nd
Wellesley College	January 8th
Wesleyan University	January 1st
Williams College	January 6th
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	February 1st
Yale University	January 2nd

TTA BONUS TIP: If you need to recalibrate after an early round denial or take action to remain a competitive candidate after a deferral, we can help. Our Deferral/Denial Analysis & Guidance Program will help you launch an action plan to maximize your odds in the regular round!

Best of luck to all applicants – and remember, the end of the application process is just the beginning of your exciting college journey!

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