How does the Common App work with rolling admission colleges?

I'm starting to fill out the Common App and noticed some schools have rolling admissions. Do I need to do anything different for these schools, or is the process pretty much the same as regular admissions?

The process for applying to colleges with rolling admissions through the Common App is essentially the same as for schools with traditional decision-making timelines. You'll still fill out all the required sections and submit the necessary documents (like your transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation) via the Common App. The main difference, however, lies in the timing.

Rolling admissions means that the college reviews applications and makes admission decisions as they come in, rather than waiting until a specific deadline to start reviewing. This setup is advantageous because the sooner you apply, the sooner you'll likely hear back about their decision.

This also means that spots in the incoming class may fill up over time, and as the number of available spots decreases, admission can become more competitive. Consequently, it's often advantageous to apply to colleges with rolling admissions as early as possible.

It's important to be aware of the "priority deadline" mentioned by some colleges with rolling admissions. Meeting this deadline often gives you the best chance at receiving scholarships or specific program placement.

So, while the general process of applying via the Common App won't change for rolling admissions colleges, the strategy and timeline certainly could. It's often advantageous to apply earlier to these schools. Be sure to keep track of their application opening dates so you can submit and have your application reviewed as soon as possible.