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Why Apply to a Rolling Admission School?
The joy of an admission decision soon after submitting applications
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.
Marla Platt, M.B.A. is an independent college consultant based in Sudbury, MA through AchieveCoach College Consulting, providing expert and personalized guidance to students and families throughout the college planning, search and admissions process. Marla is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association and can be reached via www.achievecoach.com
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