Difference between Regular Decision and Rolling Admission?

Can someone explain how Regular Decision is different from Rolling Admission? I'm a bit confused about what each entails and how they might impact my application strategy.

Certainly, happy to explain. Both Regular Decision and Rolling Admissions are admissions processes that colleges employ, but they operate quite differently.

Regular Decision is a process where all applications are due by a specific deadline and reviewed afterwards all at once. This deadline typically falls in the beginning of January, though it varies by institution. You can expect an admission decision often by late March or April. One thing to note is that Regular Decision does not require a commitment to attend if accepted, providing an opportunity to compare financial aid packages from multiple universities before making a decision by May 1st.

On the other hand, Rolling Admissions operates quite differently. Universities with this model start to review applications as soon as they are received and usually continue until all spots are filled. There is no firm deadline to apply, although some of these universities do have a priority deadline. The advantage of this system is that you can get your decision quicker, especially if you apply early in the admission cycle. But remember, spots can fill up so it's best not to delay until late in the game.

The different structures of these processes may inform your strategy: if you have a clear top-choice school, you might want to apply early to boost your chances or get a decision quickly. If you're not quite sure and want to keep options open, Regular Decision might be more suitable as it gives you more time to craft your applications and compare outcomes in the spring. But always be mindful of the individual deadlines of each school, as they can vary greatly. Lastly, ensure to balance your school list by having a mix of reach, target, and safety schools to increase your chances of admission success.