Choosing Between Rolling and Regular Decision

I'm feeling kinda stuck between applying rolling decision or regular decision to some of my colleges. What are the main pros and cons of each? Does one generally lead to better acceptance rates or have any specific advantages?

Choosing between rolling admissions and regular decision can certainly seem daunting!

With rolling admissions, colleges review applications as they're submitted and make decisions throughout the admission cycle. There's usually a large application window, and the quicker you apply, the faster you'll get a response. This can help lower the stress of waiting for a decision and give you more time to prepare for enrollment if you're accepted. But there is a downside: because colleges admit students on a first-come, first-served basis, there may be fewer open spots later in the admissions cycle.

On the other hand, with regular decision, all applications are due by a specific date, and admissions decisions are typically released all at once in the spring. This structure allows you more time to polish your application before that firm deadline. However, the waiting period can be long and nerve-wracking. Also, unlike rolling admissions, which can offer flexibility, regular decision are stricter on deadlines - you won't get a decision earlier even if you apply earlier.

As for acceptance rates, it's hard to generalize. Some colleges might have higher acceptance rates for rolling admission because they're eager to secure a class early on, but it can depend on each specific school and applicant pool.

Lastly, note that neither choice restricts your ability to apply to other colleges unless you're considering applying to Early Decision, which is binding. Weigh the pros and cons based on your unique situation, and if you're ready with a strong application, consider applying rolling to receive a decision sooner!