Many colleges
offer rolling admission as their only method of offering admission to
prospective students. This means that they accept applications on and on-going
basis until there is no longer space available. As soon as an applicant has put
together a complete application package (the college’s application and any
supporting documents that the college requires – high school transcript,
letters of recommendation, etc.) they can submit them to the college’s admission
office and the student will receive a decision shortly thereafter. I have
worked with colleges that send rolling admission decisions within two weeks,
and with others that send rolling admission decisions within four to six weeks.
These colleges often have a predetermined number of seats available in each
major they offer. With that in mind, it’s beneficial for interested students to
submit their applications as soon as possible – the more seats that are
available, the better your chances of acceptance.
Is this like
Early Decision, under which you are committed to a college if admitted? Not at
all. Rolling admissions colleges and universities offer seats to qualified
students shortly after they apply and typically allow students until May 1 to
submit a deposit.
You might
ask, “What’s the downside?” Other than trying to complete applications, send
test scores, and request and compile letters of recommendation as soon as
possible – do-able, but definitely requiring focus and a bit of ambition –
there is none!
