Colleges with rolling admissions evaluate applications as they are received rather than waiting until a set deadline to review all applications. These schools typically have a wide application window, sometimes stretching from early fall to late spring. Admissions decisions are often issued within a few weeks, allowing students to know their status much earlier than traditional decision deadlines. Some of the benefits include:
Early Answers, Less Stress Receiving an acceptance early in the application cycle can alleviate anxiety. Knowing you're admitted to at least one college allows you to focus on other applications with greater confidence.
Flexible Deadlines Rolling admissions colleges often accept applications long after traditional deadlines have passed. This flexibility is helpful if you need to adjust your plans or apply to additional schools later in the cycle.
Increased Admission Chances Applying early to a rolling admissions school may boost your chances, as spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. This is particularly beneficial for competitive programs within these colleges.
Building a Balanced College List A well-rounded college list includes a mix of reach, target, and likely schools. Rolling admissions schools are often ideal as "target" or "likely" options, offering reliable choices while keeping your options open.
Tips for Applying to Rolling Admissions Schools
Apply Early: Even though deadlines may be months away, applying early increases your chances of admission and access to scholarships.
Do Your Research: Not all programs at rolling admissions schools have the same timelines, especially for competitive majors or scholarships.
Keep Your Options Open: Treat rolling admissions schools as part of your strategy but not the entirety of your plan. Balance them with schools that have fixed deadlines.
Examples of Rolling Admissions Colleges
Some popular colleges with rolling admissions include, Michigan State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Penn State, University of Pittsburgh, Arizona State, and the University of Alabama. See a complete list here.