Hey folks! I'm trying to understand the college application process better and I've come across both Early Action and Rolling Admission. They seem kinda different, but what are the main differences? Can anyone help me clarify how they work?
Hi! The primary difference between Early Action (EA) and Rolling Admission lies in their deadlines and decision notification timelines. Here's a quick overview of each:
Early Action: Under this admission plan, you submit your college application by a specific early deadline, which typically falls around November 1st or 15th. By applying EA, you'll receive a decision earlier than Regular Decision applicants, often by mid-December. The good news is that EA is non-binding, which means that if you're accepted, you're not obligated to attend and still have until May 1st to decide. Some students opt for EA to demonstrate interest in a particular college, while others apply early to have the relief of potentially securing admission before the year-end.
Note that there are also Restrictive or Single-Choice Early Action policies at some colleges, where you can apply early to only one private institution. You may still apply to public institutions or for rolling admissions, but not to other private colleges with Restrictive or Single-Choice EA policies.
Rolling Admission: Colleges with rolling admission evaluate applications as they come in and send out decisions on a continuous basis, usually within 4–6 weeks. There is no fixed deadline, but it's still better to apply earlier rather than later. Since spots fill up as decisions are released, applying later reduces your chances of being admitted. Rolling admission can take some pressure off, as it allows you to apply to a college anytime within their broad admission window, which may extend from the fall through the spring prior to the enrollment year. Additionally, it gives you the opportunity to improve your application based on the feedback from other colleges' earlier decisions.
In summary, EA has specific deadlines and a faster response time, while Rolling Admission has a more flexible deadline with a more gradual decision-making process. Ultimately, the choice between EA and Rolling Admission depends on your application preferences, preparedness, and individual circumstances. Good luck with your college applications!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.