As students begin the college application process, they may come across the term “rolling admission.” This admission process is different from the traditional application process, and it offers many advantages to students who wish to attend college. In this article, we’ll explore what rolling admission is, how it works, and what you need to know to make the most of this admission process. If you do get accepted be sure to check out this article on what to do after you get accepted!

What is Rolling Admission?

Rolling admission is a college admission process that allows prospective students to submit their applications within a given period, usually several months. Instead of having a strict deadline, rolling admission means that applications are accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis, and decisions are made as soon as possible after the application is received. The admission period can start as early as fall and continue until the beginning of summer.

Unlike regular admission, rolling admission doesn’t have a fixed deadline or specific notification dates. Instead, schools admit students on a rolling basis as they receive applications, usually notifying applicants within a few weeks after receiving the application.

How Does Rolling Admission Differ From Regular Admission?

Regular admission is the traditional college admission process, where students have to submit their applications by a specific deadline, usually in the fall or winter of their senior year or spring if applying for transfer. Admissions committees then review all the applications together, and they usually notify students of their decision by a specific date, usually in April or May.

Rolling admission, on the other hand, operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can apply anytime during the admission cycle, and schools will continue to accept applications until they have filled all available spaces. Unlike regular admission, rolling admission schools do not have a fixed decision deadline. This means that applicants will be notified on a rolling basis, usually within a few weeks to a month of submitting their application.

The Benefits of Rolling Admission

Rolling admission provides students with several benefits over traditional admissions, such as:

1. Flexibility: Rolling admission provides students with more time to prepare and submit their applications. This is especially useful for students who want to improve their grades or test scores before applying.
2. Early decision-making: With rolling admission, students can receive a decision quickly, usually within a few weeks after submitting their application. This means they can make an informed decision about which college to attend without having to wait until the regular decision notification date.
3. Increased chances of admission: Rolling admission can potentially increase a student’s chances of admission since the school accepts applications on a rolling basis, meaning they will continue to consider applications until they fill all available spots.

The Drawbacks of Rolling Admission

While rolling admission has several benefits, it also has some drawbacks, such as:

1. Increased competition: Rolling admission can be competitive since schools continue to accept applications until they fill all available spots. This means that as the admission cycle progresses, there will be fewer spots available, making it harder for students to secure a spot.
2. Limited financial aid: Rolling admission schools may have a limited amount of financial aid to distribute among admitted students. Students who apply early in the admission cycle may have a better chance of receiving financial aid.
3. Lack of urgency: Rolling admission schools do not have a fixed deadline or specific notification dates, which can lead to a lack of urgency among students who apply. Some students may wait until the last minute to submit their applications, which could decrease their chances of admission if the school has already filled all available spots.

Tips for Students Applying to Rolling Admission Schools

If you are considering applying to a rolling admission school, here are some tips to help you maximize your chances of admission:

1. Apply early: Rolling admission schools accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning that the earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot. Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application, as the school may have already filled all available spots.
2. Stay organized: Since rolling admission schools do not have a fixed deadline or specific notification dates, it’s important to keep track of when you submit your application and when you expect to receive a decision. Keep a calendar or spreadsheet with important dates and deadlines to stay organized.
3. Follow-up: If you have not heard back from the school within a month+ of submitting your application, it’s okay to follow up with the admissions office to inquire about the status of your application. This shows that you are interested in attending the school and can help you stand out from other applicants.
4. Be prepared: Even though rolling admission schools accept applications on a rolling basis, it’s still important to submit a complete and well-prepared application. Make sure your essays are well-written, your letters of recommendation are strong, and your transcripts and test scores are up to date.
5. Consider financial aid: If you are applying to a rolling admission school and need financial aid, it’s important to research the school’s financial aid policies and deadlines. Some schools may have limited financial aid available, so it’s important to apply early to maximize your chances of receiving aid.

Conclusion

Rolling admission is a unique admission process that offers many advantages to students who wish to attend college. By understanding how rolling admission works and by following these tips, you can make the most of this admission process and increase your chances of being admitted to the college or university of your choice. So if you’re considering applying through rolling admission, be sure to do your research, stay organized, and take your time to write a strong application. Good luck!