What is rolling admission?

[mpm]

Hi All,

I needed a basic information. What is the meaning of Rolling admission? Does it mean that the applications are not processed in a batch and are processed in first come first serve basis?

well if this is true, then what is the significance of deadlines for colleges who have rolling admissions.. even if u stick to the deadline or not, ur application is reviewed in the order in application queue and the decision is made.
In this case even if u miss a application deadline there is no considerable loss in the chances of getting admission if u can submit the application as early as u can. Am i right in my understanding. Or is there something that i am missing out here?

In my case Dec 1 is the deadline,my essays are not in such a good shape yet and i dont want to rush in. suppose if i submit the application a week after deadline will it have a significant impact on my chances of admissions. the fin aid deadline is anyhow in late jan.

thanks
mpm

[JackOfAllTrades]

Hi mpm,

You are right in your assumption that rolling means your application is processed as you submit it. The adcom does not wait for the deadline to batch process the apps for that round.

However, with each app deadline there is a timeline for result notification associated. Say if you submit by Dec 1 deadline, your app will be processed asap but you will be notified by the Dec 1 notification deadline. But if you submit it a day later than Dec 1, your app will still be processed immediately, but you have to wait till that round's decision deadline for your result.

Hope I am clear.