Most schools have a set deadline and do not review applications until the deadline. Rolling admissions means that they review applications as they are submitted throughout a secified period. Applicants are admitted as their applications are reviewed. Thus, you are at an advantage applying as early as possible during the period. If you are looking at schools with rolling admissions, apply as soon as possible after they start accepting the apps.

Dear robertpatrick,

Generally speaking, a school with rolling admissions reviews applications and notifies applicants of a decision around 8 weeks after submission. Once extended an offer of admission, schools will generally give you about 4-6 weeks to make a decision. It is important to clarify the timeline of each school, as many post these dates on their website, as there is variance between schools.

If your top choice has an October deadline, you probably will not get a decision until the end of December. If you do not want to put yourself in a position where you ask for an extension or lose deposit money, then I would suggest waiting to submit to the school with rolling admissions until early October.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear tolmar,

It is rare and unusual for a school to "fill up" prior to its last deadline. Schools always want to receive competitive applications from great candidates and know how to effectively manage their applicant pool to allow for outstanding applications late in the cycle.

Regards,
Lisa