Timothy Peck June 13, 2023 3 College Lists,School Rankings

Top 40 Colleges with Rolling Admissions

What’s Covered:

• How are Rolling Admissions Different?
• When Should You Submit Your Application?
• Top Colleges with Rolling Admissions
• What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

College admissions season is inextricably tied to pressure for many students thanks to the need to complete everything from polishing applications to mulling over college-specific supplemental essays, all by similar deadlines. Then, of course, is the several-month-long wait to hear back with the results. 

There is an alternative, however. Some colleges offer rolling admissions, which is essentially first-come, first-served admissions—assuming that you meet the minimum requirements for acceptance and are fit for the school. If you add schools with these admissions systems to your list, you won’t have to adhere to the same deadlines for all your applications, and you’ll typically hear back much sooner, alleviating a lot of the pressure tied to this process.

How are Rolling Admissions Different?

You probably know the structure of regular admissions: you apply during a stated admissions period (typically around late fall through early winter for regular decision and a bit earlier for early decision/action) and hear back a couple of months later (usually around March if you apply on the regular decision timeline). In turn, you’re required to commit to the school you will attend by May 1st.

Rolling admissions work differently. As soon as the application period opens, students can apply up until the school fills its class. Most colleges with rolling admissions have priority deadlines, meaning if you apply by that date, your application will be read before candidates who apply after that deadline. Remember though, since rolling admissions are first-come, first-served, candidates who apply after the priority deadline will be admitted only on a space-available basis. Usually, students receive their decisions around four to six weeks after they apply.

When Should You Submit Your Application?

Just because you can theoretically submit your application at virtually any point within the admissions window, doesn’t mean you should. Since rolling admissions operate on a first-come, first-served basis, you should apply as early as possible. It’s highly recommended that you apply by the priority deadline. In general, it’s a good idea to apply by December. Remember that you have other deadlines to consider, such as those for scholarships and financial aid, as well as honors placement in some cases.

For example, at Baruch College, the Spring 2024 priority deadline is September 15, 2023, and the college will begin sending admissions decisions in November 2023 on a rolling basis. The University of Pittsburgh is another well-respected college that practices rolling admissions and while the school accepts applications throughout the year, candidates who submit their application for admission, along with all their required materials, by December 1st are automatically considered for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships.

Top Colleges with Rolling Admissions

What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?

While most colleges with rolling admissions do have fairly high acceptance rates, it’s still important to understand where you stand. Remember, too, that your chances of admission are better the earlier you apply. Know that schools may change their timelines, so check with the institution to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Find out your odds of admission to hundreds of colleges across the country using CollegeVine’s chancing engine. This free tool will also give you tips on how to improve your profile for success.