Difference between Early Action and Rolling Admission

Hey guys! So I've been researching college application deadlines and I came across Early Action and Rolling Admission. Can someone please explain the difference between these two? Thanks in advance!

Certainly! Early Action (EA) and Rolling Admission are two different types of application deadlines that colleges offer. Here's a brief overview of each one:

1. Early Action (EA): EA is an early application option that is non-binding, which means that you may apply to multiple colleges with EA plans and you're not obligated to attend if accepted. Generally, EA deadlines fall around November 1, and decisions are usually released in mid-December. One key advantage of EA is that it allows you to have an early decision while still giving you the time to compare other acceptances and financial aid packages until the regular decision deadline (usually May 1).

Please note that not all EA policies are the same. Some colleges have Restrictive Early Action (REA) or Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA) plans that limit applicants from applying to other private colleges' early plans. It's important to carefully read and understand the specific EA policies for each school that you're considering.

2. Rolling Admission: Under Rolling Admission, colleges review applications as they are received and release decisions on a continuous basis. In other words, there is no specific deadline for when you must submit your application. However, there is usually a time frame (e.g., September to February) within which you can submit your application and expect to hear back within a few weeks or months, depending on the school. Typically, Rolling Admission schools respond to applications faster than Regular Decision schools.

One advantage of Rolling Admission is that it allows you flexibility in terms of when you submit your application. Applying early in the window still gives you a decision earlier than Regular Decision would, but unlike EA, your timeframe for responding to the offer isn't typically accelerated. Additionally, some schools with Rolling Admission may continue to accept applicants until their class is full, which might extend the window of time to apply.

In summary, Early Action is an early but non-binding application deadline, while Rolling Admission is an ongoing process where colleges review and make decisions on applications as they're received. Both have their benefits, and it's important to consider which method works best for you based on your individual circumstances and the specific colleges you're applying to. Good luck!