Colleges and universities in the U.S. have different , like general admission, early decision, early action, and rolling admissions.
Unlike regular admissions with fixed deadlines, rolling admissions and early decision offer a flexible timeline for high school students.
It operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis, accepting and reviewing applications as they come in. You can submit your application whenever it's ready, and the institution will evaluate it within weeks or months. Rolling admissions provides ongoing evaluation and appeals to students who prefer not to wait for a hard deadline during their senior year of high school.
Let's explore the details of this dynamic approach to college admissions.
What is rolling admission?
Rolling admission means colleges review applications as they are received, without a fixed submission deadline. On the other hand, schools with a regular decision policy require applicants to submit their applications by a specific deadline, typically in late December or January.
How rolling admission works
Imagine you're applying to colleges and stumble upon ones with rolling admissions.
With rolling admissions, there's no fixed deadline. You can submit your application as soon as you’ve completed all of the application requirements, even months ahead of other schools' admissions deadlines. It's a great chance to get a head start.
Once you submit your application, the college admissions committee reviews it in the order it's received. The earlier you apply, the sooner they'll review it. This can work in your favor because you may hear back sooner with an admission decision. It's like giving your college plans a head start.
But remember, even though there's no specific cutoff, don't procrastinate. Spots in the incoming class fill up quickly as the admissions office reviews applications. So, applying early increases your chances of securing a spot at your top choice.
The admissions office makes decisions and notifies applicants on a rolling basis. You could hear back just a few weeks after submitting your application. It's exciting because you won't have to wait for a specific date.
Rolling admission vs. regular admission
Rolling admission and general admission are two different ways colleges handle applications. Let's break down what sets them apart:
- Application deadlines. With rolling admission colleges, there's no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted and reviewed throughout a specific window of time. On the other hand, general admission has a set deadline all applicants must meet, often in late December or January.
- Decision timelines. With rolling admission, decisions are made soon after applications are reviewed, often within weeks or months. General admission decisions are released on a designated date, regardless of when you submitted your application.
- Competition and availability. Rolling admission can work in your favor if you apply early since there are more available spots initially. However, competition can intensify as spots fill up. All applications are reviewed at the same time in general admission, leading to higher competition as more applicants are vying for limited spots.
- Flexibility and multiple applications. Rolling admission offers flexibility. You can apply to multiple colleges simultaneously and receive decisions at different times. This allows you to compare offers and consider your options. In general admission, decisions are released simultaneously, limiting your flexibility to evaluate multiple offers at once.
- Financial aid considerations. Financial aid availability differs between rolling admission and general admission. Funds may become limited for first-year students as the rolling admission application process progresses. Applying early in rolling admission can increase your chances of securing better financial aid. With regular decision applications, financial aid decisions align with admission decisions.
How long does rolling admission typically last?
The duration of a rolling admission period varies between colleges and universities. While there isn't a standard length, it typically spans several months (six to eight months, in general). It can start as early as summer or early fall and continue until the desired class size is filled or a predetermined deadline is reached.
Specific decision release dates or notification timelines may exist within the rolling admission period. These dates depend on factors like application volume and available resources.
It's advisable to check each school’s website or contact the admissions office directly to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about each school’s rolling admission policy and time frame.
How does acceptance to a college with rolling admission work for students?
Rolling admission can offer a chance to face less competition in the college application process, but it doesn't guarantee acceptance. Like regular decision acceptances, getting accepted through rolling admission is nonbinding. This means you're not obligated to attend the school if you prefer another one.
When it comes to rolling admission, getting accepted to a college offers exciting opportunities, but it's important to understand the process. Here's a breakdown of what to expect once you’re accepted:
- Review the admission offer. Carefully review the admission offer, which outlines your acceptance terms, intended major, financial aid, and any requirements or deadlines.
- Compare financial aid packages. If you have multiple financial aid packages, compare them to assess affordability and how they align with your plans.
- Visit or explore virtually. If possible, visit the campus to experience the environment. If not, explore virtual options to learn more about the college.
- Ask for more information. Reach out to an admissions counselor or specific departments for any questions.
- Make your decision. Choose the college that best aligns with your goals and notify them of your decision as the admission offer instructs.
- Notify other colleges. Let the other colleges you applied to know your decision so they can offer enrollment to other candidates on their waitlist.
By understanding the process and carefully considering your options, you can make an informed decision about the college that's the right fit for you.
Pros and cons of rolling admission
Exploring the pros and cons of rolling admission can provide valuable insights for prospective college students. While rolling admission offers certain advantages, it's important to understand its drawbacks.
Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons to help you navigate the college application process effectively.
Pros of rolling admission
There are several advantages of rolling admission for both students and institutions. Here are some of the pros:
- Increased flexibility. Rolling admission provides a flexible timeline for students to submit their applications. They can apply early and receive early admission decisions, giving them more time to plan and make informed decisions about their college options.
- Quicker decision turnaround. With rolling admission, applicants often receive admission decisions within a few weeks or months of submitting their applications. This eliminates the long waiting period associated with regular admission and allows students to promptly consider their options.
- Higher acceptance rates. Colleges with rolling admission tend to have higher acceptance rates than those with regular decision deadlines. As the application window remains open for an extended period, these institutions have more spots available, increasing the likelihood of acceptance.
- Better financial aid opportunities. Applying early through rolling admission may provide better access to financial aid. Some institutions allocate financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting your application early can improve your chances of receiving a more favorable financial aid package.
- Simultaneous applications. Rolling admission allows students to apply to multiple colleges or universities simultaneously and receive decisions at different times. This flexibility enables applicants to compare offers and consider various options before deciding.
Cons of rolling admission
While rolling admission offers many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Limited spaces. As the rolling admission process progresses, the number of available spots in the incoming class may decrease. Applying later in the application cycle could result in a more competitive environment with fewer spots.
- Uncertain decision release timing. With rolling admission, decision release dates can vary for each applicant. This lack of a fixed notification date can be challenging for students preferring a clear timeline for planning and decision-making.
- Pressure to apply early. The flexibility of rolling admission can lead to a sense of urgency to apply early. Students may feel pressured to submit their applications as soon as possible, potentially rushing the process and compromising the quality of their application materials.
- Limited financial aid availability. While early applicants may have an advantage in financial aid, the availability of funds may decrease as the rolling admission process progresses. This means late applicants may have fewer financial aid options.
- Comparing offers. Rolling admission allows for simultaneous applications, which means students may face challenges when comparing admission offers, financial aid packages, and other factors across different institutions. Effectively navigating this complex process requires careful organization and decision-making.
See how College Rover helps you find the best school for you
Rolling admission is a flexible college admissions process for students who don’t want to adhere to a fixed deadline.
Use College Rover to find out if rolling admission schools are the best option for you. College Rover can help you research schools by factors that are important to you, whether that’s admission processes, required test scores, or student organizations.
On College Rover, you can make head-to-head comparisons of schools that interest you to get all the information you need to pick the college of your dreams!
