Rolling Colleges

Rolling colleges are great for students who want to apply anytime to a college. These schools do not have a set deadline for applications.  Deadlines can be stressful, so why not eliminate them? Some colleges offer this option. Instead, rolling colleges allow you to submit your application over a longer period of time. The complete list of colleges that offer rolling admissions is provided below.

What is rolling admission?

Rolling admission with rolling colleges allow you to apply within an agreed time frame. This is usually done in September, and continues through the spring or until all available spots are filled.

This option is different from regular decision and early action. They all have deadlines and are not likely to accept late applications.

However, rolling admission colleges accept applications throughout the year. This doesn’t relieve the pressure. The application window will remain open until all available spots are filled, as I already mentioned. Admissions committees will review all applications and make a decision as soon as possible. Generally, you will hear back within four to eight weeks of submitting your application. In some cases, however, you may hear back as soon as two weeks have passed.

Some schools that offer rolling admissions have deadlines. Michigan State University recommends that students submit their applications no later than November 1, if they wish to receive maximum scholarship consideration.

This how rolling admissions work. However, this process can differ from school to school. It’s important to check with each school to find out how their rolling admissions process works. It can save you time and headaches by researching the policies of each university.

Let’s look at some top rolling colleges:

These are the top colleges/universities that offer rolling admissions. They are listed alphabetically.

• Arizona State University
• Indiana University Bloomington
• Michigan State University*
• Pennsylvania State University, Penn State*
• University of Alabama
• University of Maine
• University of New Haven
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Tulsa

All of these schools offer rolling admissions, but it is worth noting that Penn State and Michigan State have different rolling admissions processes.

Michigan State divides their admission process into three stages. You are an early-action applicant if you apply prior to November 1. You will be considered for regular admission if you submit your application after November 1, but before February 1. All applications submitted after February 1, will be considered for rolling admission.

This is the key difference between the three types of applicants. You won’t get admission decisions until January 15, while regular applicants will receive their notification by March 31. Rolling applicants will receive their notifications eight to twelve weeks after submitting their materials. For more information, visit their website. For more information, visit their website.

Penn State is similar to Michigan State in that they use a different approach for rolling admissions. Penn State accepts both Early Action and rolling applications starting August 1. However, the rolling admission deadlines extend beyond the November 1 Early Action deadline. Penn State will accept rolling admission applications from August 1st, but admission decisions for this applicant group will be made later than Early Action admissions decisions. For the best admission chances, rolling admissions applications may be submitted after December 1. However, Penn State strongly recommends that you submit your applications prior to December 1.

Complete List of Schools with Rolling Admissions

The complete alphabetical list of schools that offer rolling admissions is available here. Scroll down to see the schools you are interested in, or press CTRL + F to search directly for one. You can also see the admission rates for each school to show how difficult it can be to get in.

If you are interested in applying to these schools, set a deadline and follow it. You can also check the school’s website for deadlines that apply to financial aid or scholarship applications. These schools could be a great option for students who are not on your college wish list.

Rolling colleges should be treated as if there is a fall or winter deadline. However, keep in mind that some schools will accept late applications if it is urgent.

What is Rolling Admission? | Rolling colleges

Rolling admissions are done on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s a smart idea to submit your application as soon as possible. This will not only ensure that you have enough space but also show your enthusiasm for the school to potential admissions officers. Rolling colleges accept people anytime of the year.

If you really want to get in, which you probably are for any school on the college list, then submit your application by January. However, it could be even safer to submit earlier in the fall if you’re available.

You might not only want to find out as soon as possible and express your excitement about the school but you also need to apply for financial aid prioritizing incoming freshmen . However, you can still apply for admission anytime up until July 1, for the fall semester.

Rolling admission does not have a deadline. If your school has a priority deadline for admission, you must take every step to meet it. Even if you don’t have a priority deadline, it is important to make sure you meet it.

Late applications could hurt your chances of being admitted. You could also forget to fulfill certain requirements. Some parts of your application require a lot of planning and preparation. Your SAT/ACT scores and recommendation letters are the most important.

How soon should you start preparing your application?

Do not be deceived by the absence of a deadline. There are still many pieces to your application. These require months of preparation and planning.

If the priority deadline for your school is November, your last chance to take ACT/SAT would be September or October of your senior years. It’s ideal to have your test scores set by the end your junior year. You could also take the test again in spring, summer, or senior year. Or, you could even begin the test as early as sophomore year. Even though your school may offer rolling admission, you will still need to prepare your application during your junior year or even your sophomore year.

Your letters to recommendation are another important part of your application. Ask your counselor and teachers at least one month before you submit your application. Or, perhaps, ask them at the end your junior year. You should not only make the request but also spend time creating a “brag sheet” detailing your experience and reflecting on what you would like to include in your recommendation letter.

You could continue working on your personal essay during the summer. Taking the time to think about topics for several weeks is an important part of the writing process. Your subconscious is generating some great ideas, even if it doesn’t feel like you’re moving forward.

You’ll need to spend time revising, drafting, and receiving feedback from other students. Students often change their topic, so it’s important to allow yourself to move between tracks if you feel inspired.

The application process itself takes time. Requesting documents from your school, such as an official transcript , can also take time. You will be able to plan each step and keep yourself accountable by setting a deadline. Don’t wait to apply! You will get an admissions decision as soon as possible.

Other resources:
You can check out my post on how long does it take to get accepted to college.