Can you explain rolling admissions for online universities?

I'm exploring online universities with rolling admissions. How does the process differ from traditional schools? Is it easier, and do they notify you of their decision faster? Just trying to understand the benefits.

Rolling admissions is a type of application process that's distinct from the more common regular, early decision, early action, and priority deadlines that you find in many traditional universities. Online universities with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they're received rather than waiting to evaluate all applications after a hard deadline.

This approach does present some benefits. First, it typically means that you're able to apply practically any time throughout the year and start your studies soon after acceptance, which can be a great advantage if you're an adult learner seeking flexibility or an eager student who doesn't want to wait for a new semester to start.

Furthermore, universities with rolling admissions often have a quicker turnaround time with their decisions since they review applications continuously. This could mean you hear back in as little as a few weeks rather than several months, as you might with traditional application cycles. That being said, the exact timeline can vary, so it's always a good idea to check with the specific university for its turnaround time.

Is it easier? That's subjective. Since there's often no hard deadline (although some schools may have priority deadlines to guarantee consideration for scholarships or on-campus housing), you might feel less pressure, and you could potentially have more time to perfect your application. However, space in certain programs might be limited, so it could become more competitive to gain admission the longer you wait, especially for sought-after online programs.

Finally, just note that every school is different. Some schools might have specific deadlines for scholarship consideration or particular programs, even in a rolling admission setup. Be sure to thoroughly research each school's unique process so that you're adequately prepared.

Remember, the ultimate benefit of rolling admissions for many students is the flexibility it provides, both in terms of when you can submit your application and when you can begin your studies. If these factors are significant to your plans, then an online university with rolling admissions could be an excellent fit for your educational needs.