What does rolling admissions mean?

Hi everyone! I've been seeing the term 'rolling admissions' when researching college application deadlines and stuff. Can anyone explain what it means and how it affects the application process?

Hello! Rolling admissions essentially means that a college reviews and processes applications as they are received, instead of waiting for specific deadlines to pass. This setup can have a few effects on the application process for students.

First, with rolling admissions, you generally have more flexibility regarding when to submit your application. Instead of having a set deadline (like Early Decision or Regular Decision deadlines), you can submit your application during a larger window of time, which often lasts several months. Keep in mind that there may still be a final deadline when the rolling application period closes, so you should still pay attention to that date.

Second, applying early in the rolling application period can sometimes work to your advantage. Since colleges evaluate applications as they come in and offer admission on an ongoing basis, there may be more available spots at the beginning of the period. This means that your chances of admission could potentially be higher if you apply early.

Lastly, you'll often receive a decision more quickly with rolling admissions compared to other admission processes. Instead of waiting for a specific decision date (like with Early Decision or Regular Decision), you can expect to hear back within a few weeks after submitting your application. The exact timeline may vary by college, so make sure to check their specific processes for more information.

In summary, rolling admissions is a more flexible and often quicker admissions process in which colleges evaluate and accept applications as they come in. To make the most of this opportunity, it's generally a good idea to submit your application early in the rolling application period.