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Understanding Rolling Deadline

By Eric Eng

By Eric Eng

Calendar with important days

Understanding The Rolling Deadline

Understanding the rolling deadline

A rolling deadline is a type of deadline used by some schools, programs, or organizations to accept and review applications on an ongoing basis within a specific period of time, instead of having a fixed deadline for all applicants.

What is a rolling deadline?

Let’s talk about what a rolling deadline is. With a rolling deadline, the admissions team or organization will review applications as they are received, and make admission decisions within a few weeks or months of receiving each application. As a result, applicants who apply earlier in the rolling deadline period have a greater chance of getting accepted since there are more spots available.

Rolling deadlines are different from regular decision deadlines, where a school has a fixed application deadline and reviews all applications together after the deadline has passed. Unlike regular decision deadlines, rolling deadlines typically allow students to submit their applications at any time during the application period and receive a decision soon after their application is reviewed.

Rolling deadlines are common in graduate programs, professional schools, and some undergraduate programs.

What is rolling admissions?

So what are rolling admissions, you ask? Rolling admissions is an admissions process used by many colleges and universities to evaluate and admit applicants on a continuous basis over an extended period of time. Unlike regular admissions, which typically have a fixed application deadline and a set notification date, rolling admissions allow applicants to submit their applications within a given timeframe and receive an admissions decision relatively quickly.

a female student smiling in front of the camera and carrying her stuff

In rolling admissions, applications are reviewed as soon as they are received, and decisions are made on a rolling basis. This means that if an applicant applies early in the rolling admissions period, they may receive a decision sooner than if they applied later in the period. The admissions committee will continue to review applications and make decisions until all spots in the incoming class are filled.

However, it’s important to note that not all schools use a rolling deadline, and the specific details of the process may vary from school to school. Applicants should always research the admissions process of the schools they are interested in applying to, and carefully review the deadlines and requirements for each school.

What colleges have rolling admissions?

It’s important to know what colleges have rolling admissions. Many colleges and universities in the United States offer rolling admissions. Here are a few examples:

  • Indiana University Bloomington
  • Michigan State University
  • Ohio State University
  • Penn State University
  • Purdue University
  • Rutgers University
  • Texas A&M University
  • University of Alabama
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Colorado Boulder
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Kansas
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of Nebraska-Lincoln
  • University of Oregon
  • University of Pittsburgh
  • University of South Carolina
  • University of Utah
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison

It’s important to note that each school’s rolling admissions process may differ in terms of their application requirements, application deadlines, and decision timelines. It’s always a good idea to research each school’s admissions process and requirements thoroughly before applying.

How does a rolling deadline work for a school?

With a rolling deadline, applications are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, and as the admissions team reviews applications and makes decisions, they will continue to accept new applications until they have filled all available spots. This means that the sooner you submit your application, the better your chances of getting accepted, as the number of available spots will decrease as more students are admitted.

View of an unidentified person answering an exam.

Rolling admissions can be beneficial for both students and colleges. For students, it allows greater flexibility in terms of when they can apply, and they can receive admissions decisions sooner. For colleges, it allows them to manage their applicant pool more efficiently and to admit qualified students throughout the admissions cycle.

Overall, the rolling deadline process allows students to apply at their convenience and receive a decision relatively quickly, making it an attractive option for students who may be applying to multiple schools or who have missed other application deadlines.

Strategies to take advantage of a rolling deadline

If you are planning to apply to a school with a rolling deadline, there are several strategies that you can use to take advantage of the flexibility that this type of admissions process offers:

Apply early: Even though a rolling deadline means that applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, it is still a good idea to apply as early as possible. This will increase your chances of getting accepted before spots fill up.

Stay organized: With a rolling deadline, you will have a longer window of time to submit your application. It is important to stay organized and keep track of all the application materials you need to submit, such as transcripts, test scores, and essays.

Focus on quality: Since rolling admissions means that you have more time to submit your application, make sure that your application is the best it can be. Spend extra time polishing your essays, making sure they clearly showcase your skills, accomplishments, and goals.

Follow up: After you submit your application, it is a good idea to follow up with the admissions office to ensure that your application materials were received and are being reviewed. You can also express your continued interest in the school and ask for updates on your application status.

Be patient: With rolling admissions, it may take longer to receive an admissions decision. Be patient and do not rush to make decisions about other schools until you hear back from the schools you applied to with rolling deadlines.

By following these strategies, you can increase your chances of success with a rolling deadline and take full advantage of the flexibility this type of admissions process offers.

How AdmissionSight can help you with college admissions

AdmissionSight is a college consulting firm that provides personalized assistance to students throughout the college admissions process. Here are some ways that AdmissionSight can help you:

Admissions strategy: AdmissionSight can help you develop a strategic plan for your college application process. Our professional consultants can assist with identifying schools that are a good fit for your academic, extracurricular, and personal goals, and help you plan and prioritize your application strategy.

Application review: AdmissionSight can review your application and provide feedback on how to improve it. We can offer suggestions on how to make your application stand out and highlight your strengths and unique qualities.

a female student reading her college acceptance letter

Essay coaching: AdmissionSight can help you craft compelling essays that showcase your personality, goals, and achievements. We can guide you through the essay writing process and provide feedback on your drafts to help you refine your writing.

Interview preparation: AdmissionSight can provide interview coaching to help you feel confident and prepared for your college interviews. Our experts can offer tips on how to present yourself professionally and how to answer common interview questions.

Extracurricular planning: AdmissionSight can help you plan and develop your extracurricular activities to make them more impactful and meaningful. We can suggest activities that align with your interests and goals and provide guidance on how to demonstrate your leadership and initiative.

Overall, AdmissionSight can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the college admissions process to help you maximize your chances of getting accepted into the college of your choice.

With a high success rate of over 75%, we have built a strong network in the past decade. Book an initial consultation today, free of charge!

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