Rolling admissions periods for colleges can allow students to apply to universities and colleges at the last minute, but that doesn’t mean colleges will accept these students down to the wire. In fact, rolling admissions periods can get pretty competitive.

What does rolling admissions mean?

Rolling admissions refers to a college or university’s application period. The idea behind rolling admissions is that it offers a large application window for students—sometimes six months or longer—and that colleges respond to applicants as the applications come in instead of waiting until after a particular deadline (although sometimes rolling admissions periods do have deadlines). “Rolling” refers to the idea that institutions accept and respond to applications on a rotating basis. Other admissions methods, like Early Action and Early Decision, wait until a deadline has passed before looking at applications.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rolling Admissions

College Rolling Admissions Styles

Rolling admissions styles are generally fluid, with no deadline. For example, Michigan State University has no deadline.

On the other hand, Penn State, one of the highest ranked rolling admissions schools, accepts applications on a rolling basis but has a priority a deadline of November 30. This means you should try to have your application in early to better your chances of acceptance, but applications will continue to be accepted until all spots are filled.

Rolling Admissions Reputation

A misconception of rolling admissions is that, because the deadlines are more lenient, the schools will automatically accept students. This isn’t necessarily true, as rolling admissions colleges are looking at applications and accepting applicants as they receive them. With a limited amount of spots available for admission, it can become more difficult to get in the later students apply.

While no Ivy League schools receive applications on a rolling basis, there are several reputable institutions that participate in this admissions method. On the other hand, the acceptance rates of these rolling admissions schools are relatively high.

The Bottom Line

While rolling admissions is a great option if you decide to apply to college at the last minute, it can be difficult in terms of being admitted, especially when there may be a flood of students in the same situation. On the other hand, higher acceptance rates increase students’ chances of being accepted, so it’s not impossible to get in.