Counselor Edition: What are Rolling Admissions?
We turn to Shveta Bagade for Answers
It is December, and really the last full month for seniors to complete their college applications.
So, it may seem a bit odd to bring up Rolling Admissions now.
Not so.
In fact, as Shveta Bagade of SMB College Consulting reveals in her Answers to Questions, you may still want to consider Rolling Admissions Colleges.
Here is the edited version of the conversation I had with Shveta on the Podcast Episode on Rolling Admissions triggered by a US News article a couple of weeks back.
Q1: What is Rolling Admission?
Shveta: I love rolling admissions.
It basically says that when you apply to a College or University,
You may know within a week whether you have been accepted.
The longest rolling admissions I've heard is about four to five weeks of applying!
Now, of course, most of the other colleges you apply to, you have to wait for months.
Q2: Now, not all colleges offer this, right?
Shveta:
Yes, it's unfortunate that more schools don't.
But a number of wonderful schools are on that list of schools that offer opportunities.
There are 143 Colleges and Universities including big names like Rutgers, Arizona State, Penn State.
So I would definitely check them out.
Q3: Now, is there a Best Time to apply or can you apply Anytime?
Shveta:
That's where it gets a little tricky.
A lot of rolling admissions colleges [86 to be precise] have what they call Priority Deadlines.
And the priority deadlines tend to be more about merit, money, scholarship money.
So if you want to chance at that, the sooner the better.
The other problem with rolling admissions is, if you think you're a strong student, you can wait to apply!
That's not necessarily the case.
Because, as time rolls on, they're filling up seats for different programs, like arts and sciences, engineering, etc.,
So, you may not get into the programs you are looking for.
So, it's best to do it as soon as possible.
I always ask students to put a Rolling Admission College on their list.
And that should be the first one they should apply to!
Q4: So let's say you apply to one of these Rolling Admissions Colleges and you get in. Now, is that decision binding?
Shveta:
No, that’s the beauty of it!
You hopefully you get a “Yes” from one the Rolling Admissions schools,
And then with that admission in your back pocket, you can still apply to all the other schools on your list!
You have the added advantage of having been accepted by a college that may not be your number one choice, but it's a choice that you’d be happy with.
And yes, you don't have to commit until May 1!
Q5: So sounds like a great, great thing for students. Now, are there any downsides to this? Any disadvantages?
Shveta:
Honestly, I don't think so.
I think the big disadvantage is waiting.
Be careful if you're doing any Early Decision, you must make sure that you're not breaking any of those rules.
But most of the schools that have rolling admissions tend to be public schools, which most of the time are exempt from Early Decision contracts.
But, double check all of that!
And then, Don't Wait!
Because if you're looking for some competitive majors, like engineering, biology, computer science, or even the big popular ones, like psychology business,
You should really apply as soon as possible, to secure your spot.
A lot of these Rolling Admissions schools have really incredible Honors programs that are very selective.
Bonus Q: Any Closing Thoughts on Rolling Admissions?
Shveta:
Yes.
This is something that’s not highlighted enough for the students.
A lot of these Rolling Admissions schools have really incredible Honors programs that are very selective;
So if you apply even now, there's will be a lot of schools have a lot of space. Hence it is still a good time to do it.
And then you might be invited, or you qualify to apply for their Honors program, which may then be a whole, separate application with an essay and things like that.
So, it gives you that foot in the door to look at those programs as well, and could be a great option.
Good Luck everybody!
What do think of this piece? And are you applying to any Rolling Admissions Colleges this year?
Good Luck with your application!
Thank You to All for supporting my Podcast and this Newsletter, and to all My Guests who have been generous with their time and counsel on my podcasts.
Have a Wonderful December! Happy Holidays!
Venkat