confusion about priority deadline and regular decision deadline?

Applying to College
1

<p>The college says this:</p>

<p>Priority deadline: March 2nd, 2011
Regular decision deadline: December 1st, 2010</p>

<p>What does this mean? Why is the priority deadline after the regular decision?</p>

<p>I'm taking my SATs for the first time on jan. 22 so I need to know if I can still apply.</p>

2

<p>Which college is this?</p>

3

<p>Priority deadline is usually before the regular decision deadline…Are you sure that’s right?</p>