Rolling admissions means colleges review applications continuously as they arrive rather than waiting for a single deadline. More than 300 colleges use rolling admissions, offering flexibility in application timing while encouraging early submission.
With rolling admissions, schools:
Earlier applicants often have better chances since more spots are available.
Rolling admissions is more common at large public universities than small private colleges.
Application Opens: Typically August or September
You Submit: Anytime between opening and deadline (often into spring)
Review Begins: Within days or weeks of submission
Decision Arrives: Usually 4-8 weeks after submission
Respond By: May 1 (national decision day)
You can submit your application today and hear back in a month, or submit in March and hear back in April.
Many rolling schools have "priority deadlines":
Priority Deadline: Apply by this date for best consideration (often November 30 or December 1)
Regular Rolling: Applications accepted after priority deadline until class fills
Apply by the priority deadline for:
Early Peace of Mind: Submit in September, know your result by November.
Flexibility: Choose when to submit based on your readiness.
Strategic Planning: If admitted early, you can adjust other applications.
Lower Stress: No rush to meet simultaneous deadlines.
Housing Priority: Earlier admission often means better housing selection.
Best Strategy: Apply as early as possible (September/October) once your application is strong.
Don't Wait: Slots fill up over time. November/December applications face more competition than September ones.
Balance Quality and Speed: Don't submit a weak application just to be early. Wait until it's strong, then submit immediately.
Some rolling schools are test-optional. Others require SAT or ACT scores. Your test preparation timeline should align with when you plan to apply.
If taking the October SAT for rolling schools, you can submit applications and send scores when ready.
Apply for financial aid simultaneously with rolling admission:
Don't delay applications waiting for financial aid forms.
At rolling schools, admission rates typically drop as the year progresses:
September/October: Highest admission rates, most spots available
November/December: Moderate admission rates
January/February: Lower admission rates, fewer spots
March/April: Lowest admission rates, minimal spots left
Apply early for the best chances.
Some schools use "rolling within deadline periods":
Check each school's specific process.
Apply Early to Safeties: Get rolling admission safety schools done first for peace of mind.
Test Your Application: Submit to rolling schools early to gauge competitiveness.
Adjust Other Applications: If admitted to strong rolling schools, you might adjust your reach school list.
Secure Options: Rolling admissions create early security while you finalize applications to more selective schools.
You can apply to rolling admission schools AND Regular Decision schools simultaneously. Rolling admission doesn't restrict other applications like Early Decision does.
Earlier admission at rolling schools often provides:
Rolling schools rarely defer applicants. Decisions are usually:
Deferred decisions are more common at schools with strict deadlines than rolling schools.
Whether applying to rolling admission schools or schools with strict deadlines, you need strong academic performance, solid test scores, and compelling essays. At LifeWorks, we help students prepare complete applications early so they can take advantage of rolling admissions benefits.
Get in touch to learn how we support college preparation.
Is rolling admissions easier to get into?
Not necessarily. Rolling admissions refers to timing, not selectivity. Some rolling schools are quite competitive. Apply early for the best chances regardless of selectivity.
Can I apply to rolling schools and Early Decision elsewhere?
Yes. Rolling admissions is non-binding. You can apply to rolling schools while also applying Early Decision to another school.
What if I'm not ready to apply in September?
Apply when your application is strong, but don't wait too long. December is often a good middle ground between being ready and applying early enough for good chances.
Do rolling schools have deadlines?
Most have final deadlines (often March-May) but may fill their class before the deadline. Apply well before the final deadline.
Should I apply to all my schools on a rolling basis?
Only some schools offer rolling admissions. For those that do, apply early. For schools with strict deadlines, meet their specific dates.
Can I withdraw my application from a rolling school?
Yes, if you haven't been admitted yet. If admitted, you can decline the offer. You're never obligated to attend a rolling admission school.
