What is rolling admission in college?

Rolling admission is a college admission process where applications are reviewed and decisions are made on a continuous basis, rather than at a set deadline. This means that colleges accept students throughout the application cycle until all available spaces are filled.

Here's what characterizes rolling admission:

* No single deadline: Unlike colleges with deadlines in the fall or winter, rolling admission colleges have ongoing application review. They often encourage early application, but accept applications as long as space is available.

* Earlier decisions are possible (but not guaranteed): Applying early may increase your chances of acceptance and securing financial aid, as some spots are filled earlier. However, there's no guarantee of an earlier decision; it entirely depends on the institution's admission capacity and the applicant pool.

* Space is limited: Applications are reviewed continuously until all spaces are filled. If a college reaches its enrollment capacity, they will close applications even before the unofficial "last day".

* Can extend beyond the traditional application period: Unlike regular decision, rolling admission sometimes continues into the summer or even the fall semester in some cases.

In short: Rolling admission offers flexibility in application timing but also means that the earlier you apply, the better your odds of admission. It's crucial to understand that this is not a guarantee of admission, just a different application process.