Hey everyone, I've been looking into college application processes and I'm a little confused about the difference between Early Action and Rolling Admission. Can anyone clarify the main differences and pros/cons of each option?
Sure, I'd be happy to help clarify the differences between Early Action and Rolling Admission.
Early Action (EA)
Early Action is a non-binding application process that allows students to apply to a college earlier than the Regular Decision deadline, usually around November. The college typically sends out decisions by mid-December or January.
Pros:
1. You get your decision earlier, which can reduce stress and give you more time to plan your next steps for senior year.
2. Since the applicant pool is smaller for EA, you may potentially have a slightly higher chance of getting accepted.
3. There's no commitment to attend if accepted, so you still have the flexibility to compare different colleges/scholarship offers later.
Cons:
1. You might have less time to work on your application materials and improve your extracurriculars or grades.
2. Not all colleges offer EA as an option.
Rolling Admission
Rolling Admission is a process where colleges review applications as they're received and make decisions on a rolling basis, usually starting in the fall and continuing until they've filled their available spots.
Pros:
1. You can apply anytime within the window (usually several months long), giving you control over when you submit your application.
2. You typically receive a decision within a few weeks of submitting, reducing the waiting time.
3. Submitting your application earlier in the rolling admission window might give you a better chance of being accepted since there are more available slots.
Cons:
1. If you apply later in the window, your chances of being accepted may decrease, as there might be fewer available spots remaining.
2. Rolling Admission is not offered by highly selective colleges, so it might not be an option for all the schools you're considering.
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