What's the deal with rolling admissions?

Hey everyone, I've seen some colleges have 'rolling admissions' but I'm not quite sure what that means. Can somebody please explain the concept to me? Thanks!

Rolling admissions is a unique type of admissions process that some colleges use, where applications are reviewed and decisions are made on an ongoing basis. Unlike regular decision, early action, or early decision deadlines, rolling admissions colleges typically have a wide window during which you can submit your application, often beginning in the early fall and extending all the way through spring or even summer.

As applications come in, the admissions committee reviews them and makes decisions in a relatively short period, sometimes within a few weeks or a couple of months. Because of this, applying earlier in the window could potentially give you a better shot at getting accepted, as there may be more available spots in the incoming class and fewer competing applicants.

However, it's important to not sacrifice the quality of your application just to submit it early. While applying earlier may give you an edge, you should still focus on presenting the strongest application you can – this may mean waiting a bit longer to submit if you're working on improving your test scores, or refining your essays, for example.

One thing to note is that financial aid and scholarships may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying earlier could also give you better access to funding opportunities.

Overall, the rolling admissions process can be more flexible and less stressful for some applicants, as it provides more time to submit applications and allows you to hear back from colleges sooner. It's essential, however, to thoroughly research each college and their specific rolling admissions policies, as they can vary.