What's the Deal with Rutgers' Rolling Admissions?

Hey there, I've been researching Rutgers and saw that they have rolling admissions. Could anyone explain what that means exactly? Does it mean I can apply anytime within a certain window, and how soon can I expect a response? I'm a bit nervous about the whole process TBH.

Sure, I'd be happy to explain! Rolling admissions is a type of admission process where a college reviews each application as it is received, rather than after a fixed deadline. So, when you apply to Rutgers during the application period, your application will be reviewed shortly after it's received and completed, and you could receive an admissions decision sooner than you would under a normal admissions cycle.

In Rutgers' case, you can apply anytime between August 1 and December 1 for Early Action, and until February 1 for Regular Decision. However, the sooner you apply, the sooner you'll typically hear back. It usually takes about 6-8 weeks to receive a decision once the application is complete, but it could take longer during periods of high application volume, such as around deadline dates.

Remember, though, that while rolling admissions can seem attractive because you could get a decision sooner, it doesn't necessarily mean the process is easier or less competitive. You should still take the time to submit a well-crafted application, including strong essays and thoughtful responses to any short answer questions.

And no need to stress too much! The admissions process is a journey and every step, including understanding how different colleges admit students, is part of that experience. Best of luck with your application!