Rolling Admissions vs. Early Action

Guys, what's the difference between rolling admissions and early action? Which one should I consider if I want to improve my chances of getting into my dream school?

Rolling admissions and early action are two different application options that colleges offer. Let me briefly explain the differences between the two before discussing which one could be more suitable for improving your chances of getting into your dream school.

Rolling admissions means that a college reviews applications as they are submitted and makes decisions on a continuous basis until all available spots are filled. There's typically no set deadline, but the sooner you apply, the better your chances are since you'll have a larger pool of available seats to compete for. It's important to note that some colleges with rolling admissions may have priority deadlines, after which your chances of being accepted may decrease.

Early action, on the other hand, has a clearly defined deadline which falls earlier than the regular decision deadline. By applying early action, you'll receive an admissions decision well ahead of the regular decision notification date without being obligated to attend that school if you’re accepted. While early action can demonstrate your interest in a school, the admissions boost from applying EA is generally smaller than that from applying early decision (ED), since you aren't committing to attend if accepted.

So, which one should you consider? It depends on your specific situation and the college's requirements. If your dream school offers early action and you believe you have a strong application, applying early action could be a good choice as it may slightly boost your chances while allowing you to apply to other schools without restrictions. However, if your dream school has rolling admissions, applying earlier in the cycle is the thing that will improve your odds, since more spots will be available.

Regardless of the option you choose, it's essential to put forward your best application by showcasing your academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and other achievements. Make sure to meet any priority deadlines, and if you're applying early, give yourself enough time to submit a complete and polished application. Ultimately, the quality of your application matters much more than when you apply. Good luck!