What Are Rolling Admission Colleges?

I'm trying to figure out what rolling admissions actually means. I'm getting stressed about deadlines, so I'm wondering if this will help. How does it work, and is it an option I should seriously consider for my college applications?

Rolling admissions is a policy adopted by some colleges where they review applications as they come in and make decisions throughout the admission cycle, rather than waiting until after a specific deadline. This process can be beneficial for students who have a solid set of application materials ready early.

In a rolling admissions process, the admissions committee reviews applications as they are completed. They don't wait until all applications are submitted by a specific deadline. Instead, they start making decisions as soon as applications begin coming in. This system offers several advantages, particularly for early birds who get their applications submitted well in advance.

Benefits of rolling admissions include quicker responses, less competition, and potentially higher chances of acceptance early in the cycle. Since colleges assess applications in the order they're received, if you apply early, you can receive a decision before the bulk of applications come in. So, if you're ready to submit your application early, rolling admissions can be a more relaxing and beneficial option.

However, one crucial factor to consider is that spots in incoming classes can fill up quickly. If you submit your application later in the cycle, there may be fewer spots left, and thus, increased competition. It's worth noting that some schools with rolling admissions still have a "priority" deadline, by which you should ideally submit your application to get the best consideration.

All in all, whether or not rolling admissions is an option you should consider depends on when you're ready to submit your applications and the specific colleges on your list. You may benefit from applying to a mix of schools with different admissions processes. Be sure to research the application procedures of each of your colleges of interest, so you understand their timelines and can plan your applications accordingly.