Rolling Deadlines Explained?

I've heard the term 'rolling deadlines' when looking at colleges. Can someone please explain to me what exactly that means and how it might affect my college applications?

Rolling deadlines refer to a college admissions practice where applications are evaluated as they're received, instead of waiting for a specific deadline to review all applications at once. With rolling admissions, colleges review and make decisions on applications on an ongoing basis, often starting as early as the fall and continuing until all available spaces in a class are filled.

Here's how it might affect your college applications:

1. Earlier application: Submitting your application earlier in the cycle can be advantageous since colleges typically have more seats open early on. As the cycle progresses and spots fill up, the admissions process can become more competitive.

2. Faster decisions: Colleges with rolling admissions policies often release decisions within a few weeks after receiving completed applications. This can help reduce the stress and anxiety of waiting for a decision, allowing you to know your options sooner.

3. Flexibility in deadlines: Rolling admissions usually have a more flexible approach to deadlines. Although there is still a final deadline, applying earlier than that allows you to have a better chance at securing a spot.

4. Opportunity for resubmission: If you are denied admission early in the cycle, some colleges may give you the option to reapply later in the same admissions cycle with improved grades or test scores. This is not always the case, so it's important to check with each college's specific policies.

Keep in mind that even though rolling admissions may offer some advantages, you should be cautious not to rush your applications in an attempt to submit them early. It's crucial to submit a high-quality application, complete with well-written essays and strong recommendation letters, to give yourself the best chance at admission.

Remember, every college has its own policies, and not all institutions offer rolling admissions. Make sure to research each college's deadlines and admissions process to understand how rolling admissions might come into play for your specific situation.