How to Build a Smart RD Strategy in November

Early Action applications are in, and now seniors enter the phase nobody warned them about: Regular Decision season. Whether you’re feeling confident, exhausted, or somewhere in between, November is the best moment to build a strategic RD plan before deadlines sneak up and stress takes over.

A smart RD strategy doesn’t start on January 1st.
It starts right now, in mid-November, while you still have time, clarity, and momentum.

Here’s exactly how students (and parents) should map out Regular Decision so January feels achievable, not chaotic.

After submitting Early Action applications, many students realize their preferences shift.
Before you dive into essays, ask yourself:

Do I still love every school on my list?
Are there any RD schools I added just to “fill space”?
Do I need more match or safety schools?
Is my list balanced for admissions and finances?
 

Goal: Build a list that is intentional not emotional, rushed, or influenced by friends’ choices.

Regular Decision deadlines pile up fast: January 1, January 5, January 15.
And almost every RD school requires supplemental essays.

This is why November is gold:

Your Early Action essays are fresh; reuse themes or reflections
Your brain is still in “writing mode”
You aren’t competing with holiday burnout
You can write slower, better, and more meaningfully

Pro Tip: Start with the longest/most complex supplement typically the “Why Us?” essay.
Other essays (community, identity, activity impact) can be reused across schools with strategic editing.

Organization is EVERYTHING for RD success.
Your spreadsheet should include:

College name
Deadline
All supplemental prompts
Word counts
Link to each prompt page
Status (Not Started / Drafting / Editing / Done)
Letter of recommendation? (Some require extra)
Scholarship deadlines

Students who track everything reduce stress by 50%.
Parents can easily support without taking over.

RD schools receive your midyear transcript in January, and these grades can influence:

Admission decisions
Merit scholarship eligibility
Waitlist/deferral outcomes

Senioritis cannot start now.
Consistency is one of the strongest signals colleges look for in the RD round.

Regular Decision isn’t just about applications it’s the peak of scholarship season.

Use November to identify:

Local scholarships (best odds!)
School-based scholarships
University merit scholarships
National programs on Going Merry, Fastweb, BigFuture
 

Smart Move: Apply to 2–3 scholarships every week between now and February.
Treat it like part-time work because it’s money you don’t have to borrow later.

In RD season, students need:

Encouragement, not pressure
Structure, not micromanagement
Accountability, not perfectionism
Calm, especially as December decisions approach

Parents can support by helping track deadlines, organizing documents, and creating a healthy routine around essay writing.

Here’s a simple structure that works for most seniors:

Week 1 (Nov 13–20):
Finalize RD list
Start longest supplement
Apply to 1 scholarship

Week 2 (Nov 20–27):
Draft 2–3 shorter supplements
Check portals once
Keep grades up (midterms count!)

Week 3 (Nov 27–Dec 4):
Edit and polish drafts
Request any extra rec letters
Scholarship apps round 2

Week 4 (Dec 4–Dec 11):
Review all RD materials
Finalize organizational spreadsheet
Plan mental-health breaks before EA decisions drop

This pacing keeps you in motion without overwhelming you.

Regular Decision is not “the leftover round.”
It’s your opportunity to refine your list, write stronger essays, and present your best self with more clarity than you had in August or September.

November gives you the breathing room to do this well.

At East Coast Admissions, we tell students every year:

 

RD isn’t where you lose your chances it’s where many students actually win.
 

 

Start now. Work smart. And stay steady.
January you will thank November you.

Rebuild your college list with intention
Start your biggest supplements first
Create your RD tracking spreadsheet
Keep first-semester grades strong
Apply to 1–2 scholarships weekly
Avoid December burnout by starting now

For help with your College Counseling and Admissions process, contact your #1 College Admissions Counselor for the East Coast.