How Rolling Admissions Benefits Your College Application Process

As you navigate through your senior year of high school and begin sending out college applications, you'll likely come across schools with something called rolling admissions. Naturally, your next question may be, "What the heck does rolling admissions mean?" Fear not; that is why Varsity Tutors is here. In this piece, we'll explain the concept of rolling admission, touch on the benefits of rolling admission applications, and mention a few schools with rolling admissions that you may be interested in. Let's get you prepped for the admissions process.

Understanding the College Admissions Process

So, what does rolling admissions mean? To understand rolling admissions, we must first understand the traditional college admissions process.

Typically, colleges will determine a priority deadline by which all students must submit their applications. Only then will the schools begin to review all submitted applications. Students who fail to submit their applications by this set deadline will significantly lessen their chances of being approved by the school. If you plan on going the traditional admissions route, it's important to identify the application window and take early action. 

What is rolling admission?

On the other hand, schools with rolling admissions do not set priority deadlines for when the application is due. Rolling admission colleges review applications year-round as they trickle in, giving students a wider timeframe to apply. Prospective students get admitted on a first-served basis, so it's crucial to apply early to colleges with rolling admissions. Let's discuss some other advantages of rolling admission, shall we?

Benefits of Rolling Admissions Schools

If you're still undecided on whether or not to apply to a school with rolling admissions, let's take a moment to discuss some of the biggest benefits that come along with this admissions decision.

More time to apply

Ever wish you had a little more wiggle room when it comes to college deadlines? As we briefly touched on earlier, rolling admissions give students a wider application window. These schools typically open the application window sometime in September and keep it open well through the Spring term. This gives you more time to perfect your application and weigh your potential schooling options. If you have missed a school's deadline, rolling admissions gives you a last-resort option for admission.

Keep in mind! Apply early and often. Even though rolling admission schools give you a larger time frame for submitting your application, you'll still have a MUCH greater chance of acceptance by applying early. There will be less competition early, helping you stand out as a qualified candidate. You'll also increase your chances of receiving financial aid, scholarships, and housing by applying early.

You're Under No Obligation to Attend the School You Get Accepted To

With rolling admissions, you can keep your options open, even after you've been accepted to the school. Unlike a traditional application process where you're bound to the school you applied to, you can hold onto your acceptance and weigh other options before you make your final decision. This gives you more time to explore other schools, removing the stress of a looming deadline.

You'll Know the Decision Earlier in the Admission Process

Waiting to hear back from schools during the application cycle can feel like an eternity. Because rolling admissions evaluate applications as they arrive, you won't need to wait nearly as long to hear results. Typically, rolling admissions schools will get back to you within 4-8 weeks with a response. Conversely, traditional admissions applications don't get reviewed until after the set deadline, meaning you could submit your application in November and not hear back until as late as April in some cases.

Less Pressure During Your Senior Year

Let's face it, the final year of high school is supposed to be a time for making memories and enjoying yourself, right? You shouldn't have to stress the whole school year due to uncertainty about your future. By opting for rolling admissions and applying in the fall, you can get a response from your dream school before your senior year is over. Applying early not only gives you a leg up on other students but will make your final year of high school much more enjoyable.

Top Colleges with Rolling Admissions

Not every university offers rolling admission for prospective students, so it's important to get familiar with some of the top universities that do. As of 2021, only 130 National Universities in the US had rolling admission. Here are ten schools, in no order, that offer rolling admission.

• The University of Alabama
• Iowa State University
• Mississippi State University
• University of Colorado Denver
• Michigan State University
• Arizona State University
• Penn State
• University of Pittsburgh
• Washington State University
• University of Kansas

As you prepare for the next step in your educational journey, pay attention to the type of admissions process your desired school offers. If you're someone who likes to take early action, rolling admissions may be what you're interested in. Whatever troubles arise during the application process, remember Varsity Tutors is your go-to source for tips, advice, and reliable knowledge on all things education. 

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