Differences between Early Action and Rolling Admission?

Hey guys, I was wondering if someone could explain the difference between early action and rolling admission? Are there different deadlines? How do they affect my chances of getting in?

Sure, I can help clarify the differences between Early Action (EA) and Rolling Admission.

Early Action is an option offered by some colleges where you can apply early, typically with a deadline in November or December, and receive a decision earlier than the Regular Decision timeline, usually around mid-December or early January. EA does not bind you to attend the school if accepted, which means that you remain free to consider other offers, until the May 1st National College Decision Day when you must commit to a school. Applying Early Action may slightly boost your admission chances since it shows interest in the school, but this effect tends to be smaller than what you'd experience with Early Decision (which is similar, but binding - you must attend if accepted).

Rolling Admission, on the other hand, is a more flexible admission process where colleges review applications as they are submitted and offer decisions usually within a few weeks of receiving the application. This process typically starts in the fall, and continues through the spring (or sometimes into the summer if there are still spots available). There is usually no specific deadline, but earlier applicants have a better chance of being accepted because there are more spots available. It's generally a good idea to submit your application early in the process to maximize your likelihood of admission. Do note that some rolling admissions schools still have a priority deadline, which, if met, will generally result in higher chances for admission or financial aid opportunities.

In short, the key differences are:

1. Deadlines: Early Action usually has specific early deadlines (usually in November or December), while Rolling Admission operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, with no hard deadlines.

2. Decision Release: Early Action yields a decision on a fixed day, usually around December or January. When Rolling Admission decisions are sent depends on when you submitted your application.

3. Chances of Acceptance: Early Action can yield a moderate boost in acceptance chances, while for Rolling Admission, applying earlier generally results in an increased likelihood of admission because more spots are available early in the process.

Keep in mind that the overall strength of your application is the most important factor in determining your admission chances, regardless of the admission plan you choose. So, make the decision based on what works best for your timeline and college preferences. Good luck!