Deadline Drama: Early, Regular, and Everything In Between — Part 4: Rolling Admission
- Lynn Hofstad
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The myriad of application deadline options can be dizzying and confusing. Many colleges have up to five different application dates. For students and families encountering the many options for the first time, it can be hard to know which application deadline to choose. This series of blogs describes the different types of application deadlines and the advantages, drawbacks, and important things to note for each type.
This blog is the fourth in a series describing the different types of application deadlines.
Part 4: Rolling Admission
Rolling admission is similar to regular admission, but with a key difference. While regular admissions has a set deadline, rolling admissions does not. In regular admissions, colleges hold all applications for evaluation until the deadline. In contrast, colleges with rolling admissions assess an application as soon as it is complete. Students can apply as soon as the application window opens, and the college will continue to accept and review applications until the incoming class is filled. Regular admissions has a firm application deadline, whereas rolling admissions often utilizes a priority deadline. The college will accept applications after the priority deadline, but applying by this date can make students eligible for scholarships or "perks." Admission also becomes more challenging as the class fills up, so the sooner you apply the better.
About 25% of colleges utilize rolling admission, but very few selective schools are included on that list. Since selective schools often get far more qualified applicants than seats available in the incoming class, using regular (or early) admission gives the admissions office a chance to see the applicant pool in its entirety before accepting, rejecting, or deferring students.
Since applications are considered on a rolling basis, decisions are also released on a rolling basis. One can expect a decision from a college roughly four to six weeks after a completed application is submitted.
Roll the Dice or Roll Early? Weighing the Pros and Cons of Rolling Admission
Considering this background information, why might a student choose to apply rolling admission, and when might be better to choose a different application option? To make that decision, I suggest considering the advantages and drawbacks of rolling admission. Here are a few to consider:
Advantages:
Rolling admission has a predictable submission and decision timeline. Rather than having to wait for a particular deadline, you can get your decision based on your timeline of submission.
Application season not panning out as you had hoped? Rolling admission enables you to submit applications after regular deadlines, allowing you to add a few more likely schools to your list.
Drawbacks:
Knowing there isn't a "deadline" leads some students to procrastinate. Rolling doesn't mean infinite. Earlier is always better so as to not miss out on scholarship opportunities or admission to a particular major.
Important things to note:
Although a college may use rolling admissions overall, certain majors might fill before the entire incoming class is full. This means that while the college might still be accepting applications, it doesn't guarantee that applications are open for all majors. When visiting the campus, ask about the different timelines for majors you are interested in.
Applying by the priority deadline offers various advantages based on the college. Check out which "perks" are associated with applying by the priority deadline.
Ready, Set… Whenever? Making Rolling Admission Work for You
The great benefit of rolling admission is that you can apply based on your timeline. If having all of your applications due around the same time stresses you out, utilize rolling admission to apply when you have a lull in the process. If application season (it sounds like a sporting event now) isn't working out as you hoped, rolling admission can be a great way to add a few more colleges to your list. However, if one of your top choice schools offers rolling admission, make sure to apply early to increase your chances of admission and to qualify for scholarships and housing priority.
