Regular
Admission
is the old standard application process. All applications are due
by a certain date. After the application date, the decision-makers
at the college will gather to begin the selection process. The college
has a set date on which they will mail out all of the acceptance and
rejection letters. As always, it is important to read all application
instructions carefully. Note all application deadlines.
Rolling
Admission is a process that is often easier for both the college
and the student. A college offering rolling admission will have a
date on which they will begin making decisions on candidates who have
applied. This date varies greatly by school and can sometimes be very
early in the school year. As decisions are made, letters of acceptance
or rejection are sent to students. Thus, students who send in an application
generally receive replies much sooner with rolling admission than
regular admission.
Because
space begins to fill up when a college begins rolling admission, it
is usually better to apply as close as possible to the date when rolling
admission begins. One exception might be the case of a student who
has had an inconsistent or subpar academic record and could use some
extra time to earn good grades during senior year. Such a student
may consider waiting until after midyear grades are available before
applying.
Some
schools that use rolling admission have no deadlines, though space
may fill up for most programs. Others have firm deadlines or priority
deadlines. Read the application instructions carefully.
