Regular Decision vs. Rolling Admission - How Do They Compare?

I'm confused about the difference between regular decision and rolling admission. Is one better than the other? What factors should I consider when deciding which option to choose for my college applications?

There are some key differences between Regular Decision (RD) and Rolling Admission.

In the Regular Decision process, all applications have a set due date. After that date, the admission committee will review them and release decisions on a specific day. This process is more competitive, as colleges have a fixed number of spots they need to fill within a specific applicant pool.

Rolling Admission, on the other hand, means that the college reviews applications as they're received and makes decisions on an ongoing basis, often until their class is filled. In other words, the sooner you submit your application, the sooner you can hear back. This could provide some stress relief for applicants as they may receive an acceptance early in the application cycle.

The 'best' option largely depends on your circumstances and needs.

If you are set on a particular school early on and have your application materials ready, applying under Rolling Admission has an advantage as you may find out earlier and it might be slightly less competitive earlier in the cycle.

However, applying Regular Decision gives you more time to improve your grades, take or retake standardized tests, and refine your application. You can also apply to multiple schools and compare admission and financial aid offers at the same time.

Remember to weigh these factors considering the specific policies of the colleges you're interested in, as each institution may vary in its admission processes and timelines.