Current Topics

Most students will likely apply to at least one school with an early deadline.  Early deadlines are posted as:

• "Early Decision (ED)," a binding commitment to attend if admitted or ...
• ... its more relaxed cousin, "Early Action (EA)." Early action applications also result in an early admission answer, usually six or so weeks following the application deadline, but without a requirement for admitted applicants to deposit. In some ways, an early action admission policy offers students the best of all worlds: an early response from the college without a contractual commitment to deposit.

Rolling admission timeline

An alternative application process preferred by some colleges is Rolling Admission. Rolling admission schools review applications on a continuous basis, often well in advance of the published deadline.  Think of rolling admission as a "first come, first served" timeline in applying to college. Rolling schools admit students until the class reaches capacity.

How rolling admission benefits applicants

As applications roll in, a rolling decision rolls back out, often over a relatively quick 3-4 week turnaround. Students may even hear about scholarship awards with their admitted student letter.

At some rolling schools, applicants receive priority in selecting campus housing (ex. Clemson)

Including a rolling school on the college list is beneficial as a barometer to test the admission waters. Is the student admitted in the early round? Or is the application deferred for a later review after a student demonstrates improved future academic performance?

Admitted in the early to mid-fall to a rolling admission college? What a stress reliever to receive an admission offer even before ED or EA decisions are released in November  -- let alone regular decisions released in March!

When to apply

Early birds are more likely to get the worm at rolling schools. For the best access to a spot:

• apply early in the admission cycle before the majority of seats are spoken for. Aim for late summer or early fall of senior year, when possible.
• observe any priority deadlines for scholarship consideration
• submit when the application is fully prepared and at its best

Which schools offer rolling admission

Some popular rolling admission schools include:  Penn State; Arizona State; University of Alabama Huntsville, University of Missouri; and dozens more.

Another, the University of Pittsburgh, has this to say about rolling admissions at their institution:  The University of Pittsburgh is on a rolling admissions schedule, and it is to your advantage to apply early. This will increase your chances for admission in our competitive applicant pool.