What do rolling admissions mean for college applications?

I'm considering some schools with rolling admissions, but I'm not entirely sure what that means for my application timeline. How do rolling admissions work, and do they offer any advantages for applying early?

Rolling admissions means that a college reviews applications as they are received, rather than waiting until all applications have been submitted after a firm deadline. Essentially, instead of one fixed deadline, the application window stays open until all spots are filled up in the incoming class.

In terms of your application timeline, one significant point about rolling admissions is that you can potentially receive your admissions decision relatively quickly, often within a few weeks of submitting your application. This can be a relief if you're eager to know your admission status.

As for the advantages of applying early in a rolling admissions cycle, since colleges with this admission system accept students on an ongoing basis, the earlier you apply, the more spots remain available in the class. That said, it's important to still take the necessary time to submit a strong, thorough application, even if it means waiting a bit longer to send it in. Quality should not be sacrificed for the sake of urgency.

Remember, though, like all admissions models, the particulars can vary from school to school. For example, some schools with rolling admissions overall may still have priority deadlines for especially competitive programs or certain scholarships. It's always a good idea to check with the admissions offices at the colleges you're interested in to understand their specific processes.