Navigating the Different Ways to Apply

Clearly understanding certain admissions terms and policies can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. Some important terms to know include rolling admissions, early or regular decisions, and priority deadlines. And time is of the essence for each one.

What is Rolling Admissions exactly?

Let’s start with “rolling admissions” and what it is NOT. Many colleges and universities have a set deadline to apply. Usually, for the traditional start of the school year (fall), it’s the December or January before. Admissions staff won’t start notifying applicants of their acceptance or rejection status until several weeks after this deadline.

Schools that advertise “rolling admissions” work a bit differently. They constantly and continuously accept applications and provide decisions as soon as your application review is complete. “Rolling admissions” means there is no set deadline to apply.

Does this mean acceptance is more likely?

Be careful, though. Don’t assume you have tons of time to submit your application or that it’s easier to get into a school practicing rolling admissions. That’s not necessarily the case. It’s still in your best interest to apply early at a rolling admissions university. Here’s why:

• Apps are reviewed and considered when received—there may be less competition early.
• You’ll find out your status sooner—if rejected, you may still have time to apply elsewhere; if accepted, you can catch your breath!
• Since apps are processed as they come in, available spots can fill up quickly.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Keep in mind that important deadlines still exist—even at rolling admissions schools. There may be internal due dates for scholarships and on-campus housing. State and federal financial aid regulations still must be met. To be eligible for any or all of this, you often must have your full application submitted or be admitted to the school that you are applying to.

This is also something to consider if you’re applying to a special honors program or grad school “guaranteed acceptance” initiative (where you apply and get accepted for both a bachelor’s and master’s program upfront). You may still get accepted if you apply later, but fewer of these “specials” will be available (as they typically are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis). In other words, you may get accepted, but no on-campus housing is left, or scholarships or financial aid have already been allocated to others.

Defining Other Terms

Here are some other terms to be familiar with. Schools that typically DON’T offer rolling admissions have some form of an Early Decision process. Apps are usually due in November, and you get your decision in December (for the following fall). This can be a positive, as you may know sooner, but early decisions are occasionally binding, depending on the school’s policy for early decisions. You must commit to that one school and withdraw any other applications you may have sent.

Regular decision schools usually require apps to come in by January or February (again, for the upcoming fall). Sure, you have longer to work on your app, but you will also be part of a larger applicant pool. The competition will be stiff and the deadline is typically a hard one. No matter how strong of a candidate you are, you may not even be considered if you submit an app after the regular decision due date.

Schools with Priority Deadlines will accept your application most any time, but you’ll be given priority (a more immediate look) if you submit before the designated deadline. This process is more flexible than Early Decision procedures–you’re not locked in if accepted—but again, it’s best to apply as soon as you can. Schools are using this process to begin forming their freshman class. Slots can fill up fast.

Make the Right Choice for You

As you can see, there are pros and cons to any admissions process. Being aware of what each college/university does and what the terms mean is often half the battle. Plot and personalize your strategy. Do you have one “dream” school in mind? Maybe there’s a top contender and a few backups you’re thinking of. Or you’re just not sure where you’re leaning, so you’d like to submit an application to several schools. Whether rolling admissions, early or regular decisions, or priority deadlines are involved, it’s in your best interest to plan ahead.

*Some rolling admission schools, like the University of Pittsburgh, are experiencing a record number of applicants as compared to recent years. These schools are asking for patience as they can’t always logistically stick to previously advertised decision turnarounds of 2 months or less. Just another reason to apply early, no matter what the application process is!