What is Rolling Admission? How to Find Colleges With Rolling Admissions

As you prepare for your college applications, you may feel overwhelmed by the many new terms you need to learn and the countless decisions you need to make. This is normal, and you're not alone if you feel that way.

We talk to students in your position all the time. When we do, we consistently get asked about rolling admissions. In this article, we explain rolling admissions. Then, we share tips for submitting college applications to schools with rolling admission deadlines. 

The Basics of Rolling Admission 

With rolling admission, you can submit your application anytime within the rolling admission period. Colleges will then review your application in the order it comes in. This process is opposed to regular admission deadlines, where colleges collect all applications and then begin reviewing them.

Colleges and universities with rolling admissions take applications until they fill their freshman class. Once that happens, they conclude their rolling admission cycle.

We talked to Stephen Lazowski, Vice President for enrollment at Thiel College, to get the inside scoop on rolling admissions. Thiel College is one of the many rolling admission schools.

Lazowski told us that rolling admissions benefit students who don't want to be pressed against a hard deadline. They are also helpful for a student who didn't land a spot at their top-choice college or didn't receive enough financial aid at a college where they were accepted.

When Do You Apply for Rolling Admission? 

Each school will have its own rolling admission timeline. However, the best time to apply to a rolling admissions school is in the fall or winter of your senior year, as more institutional funding will be available for financial aid awards. Lazowski said students who apply before February 15 typically are eligible for this funding.

It's important also to remember that each school still has a limited number of places available despite accepting applications on a rolling basis. So they can actually fill up their freshman class before the rolling admission cycle ends.

Is Rolling Admission Better Than Regular Admission?

Applying for rolling admission isn't necessarily better than applying for regular admission. It's just a different admissions process that may or may not fit your needs.

You might even consider applying to colleges with both types of admission processes. Doing so can be especially helpful if you're waiting to hear back from colleges with a regular admission process.  

Who Should Consider Applying for Rolling Admissions?

Lazowski told us that students with grade point averages of 2.75 and higher are typically considered serious applicants at rolling admission colleges. However, rolling admission schools can also be a good fit for transfer students too. When applying to rolling admissions colleges, it is also important to highlight your accomplishments.

“Most schools now are looking beyond test scores,” Lazowski explained. He added that many colleges like Thiel are now testing optional. So, admissions counselors look at a wider range of attributes to assess candidates. “Everything you do in school counts, and everything you do outside of school counts, too.”

Why Do Colleges Offer Rolling Admissions?

Rolling admission helps ease the burden of the traditional admission process while reducing stress. Admission counselors can assess candidates as their applications arrive, instead of at one time and with the heavy pressure of so many families anxiously awaiting decisions. This change of pace can be especially helpful for schools with fewer admissions officers on staff.

What Are Priority Deadlines in Rolling Admission?

A priority deadline isn't a hard deadline. However, schools with priority deadlines will prioritize applicants who apply within the designated time frame. This helps them build their freshman class with some certainty while still allowing the flexibility of rolling admissions.

 

What is the Acceptance Rate for Schools With Rolling Admissions? 

Research indicates that the average acceptance rate for colleges with rolling admissions is about 63%. However, the earlier you apply, the greater your chance of acceptance because fewer student spots will have been filled. 

Tips for Applying to Colleges With Rolling Admissions

Let’s discuss some best practices for applying to a college during a rolling admission timeline. Remember that these tips are helpful whether you submit your application for regular admission, early action, or early decision.

Read the instructions carefully

Completing your application will require quite a few pieces of information. Some schools use an application portal, whereas others use the Common Application. It's essential that you read and understand what each school is asking for so you don't miss anything. Then, stay organized and on track as you collect each of the required pieces.

Secure your recommendation letters

Letters of recommendation give admissions committees a more in-depth view of your personality, academic achievement, work habits, and overall attitude. That's why they are so critical to your application package. To get the best possible letters, ensure your recommenders have plenty of time to write them.

Work on achieving your best SAT or ACT scores

There are many test-optional schools out there. But if you decide to submit your scores, you should take the SAT or ACT early so you can retake it as often as needed. That way, you'll be sure to have a score you're proud of.

Write a strong essay

Beyond test scores or GPA, your essay is one of the best ways to impress the admissions team. So, take your time and work through several rounds of revisions when writing it and your personal statement.

Stagger your applications

You can use the rolling admission process to your advantage by first completing any early action or early decision applications and then applying to colleges with rolling admission. Spreading out your applications like this gives you more time to apply to colleges with less overall stress.

Apply early

While schools admit students by rolling admission, they fill seats gradually until they reach their enrollment goals. You can apply anytime during the rolling enrollment period. But it is best to submit your rolling admissions application earlier rather than later to secure a spot and financial aid. Plus, you'll get your decision earlier, too.

Keep your GPA high

Even if you submit your application in the fall of your senior year, your spring semester grades still matter. Sure, GPAs aren't everything. But they are factored heavily into admissions decisions.

Don't forget to demonstrate interest

Our expert Lazowski explained that if you apply to a college with rolling admissions, it's a good idea to visit the campus. It shows admissions counselors that you're serious about attending the school and sets you apart from other applicants.



Visiting the campus is just one way of demonstrating interest, which we've discussed before. “The more interest you show in the school, the more likely you are to get in,” Lazowski said. “Schools are going to take chances on students who come to visit.”

Search for Schools With Rolling Admissions

Now that you know all about rolling admission, you can use Appily to build and manage your college list. Maybe you need to add a few more schools, or you're just starting the list-building process. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to help make your college search and selection process as successful as possible.

Use our platform to search colleges and sign up for an account to calculate your chances at schools nationwide. Just click the button below to get started.