Are universities typically on rolling admissions?

I'm trying to understand how university admissions work. Do most universities usually have rolling admissions, or is it more common to have set deadlines? How does this impact when I should apply?

Most universities in the United States do not use a rolling admissions process. Instead, they have set deadlines by which you must submit your application to be considered – usually an Early Action or Early Decision deadline in the fall (often November 1 or 15), and a Regular Decision deadline later in the winter (often January 1 or 15). These universities typically review all applications received by the deadline at the same time, rather than reviewing them as they come in, as is typical with rolling admissions.

However, some schools do use a rolling admissions model. These are typically less competitive schools. In this model, applications are reviewed and decisions are made on a continuous basis as applications are received. This process continues until all spots in the incoming class have been filled.

If you're applying to a school that offers rolling admissions, it's usually advantageous to apply earlier rather than later. Since admissions decisions are made as applications come in, there may be fewer spots available later in the admission cycle.

But if you're applying to a school with set deadlines, it's important to have your application completed and submitted by those deadlines, as late applications may not be considered. If you apply early action or early decision, you will typically hear back from the school earlier. However, these types of applications often come with conditions and it requires some planning to make sure you understand the implications. For instance, Early Decision is binding and you are obliged to attend if you are accepted.

In either case, it's also paramount to deliver a well-rounded, polished application, since this can greatly impact your chances of admission. Therefore, it is important to balance applying as early as possible with ensuring your application is thorough and complete.