Navigating Rolling Admissions for Latecomer Private School Applicants
Has your student not yet applied for private school? Don’t worry! Rolling admissions, or the “second season” or “second round” is one way your student can stay on track and get their applications submitted for the upcoming school year.
Rolling admissions means that a school accepts applicants on a “rolling basis” by filling spots as they review mission-appropriate candidates, rather than working against a fixed application deadline. This is actually more common than you’d think once the new year comes around! It’s pretty typical of boarding schools especially to have rolling admissions once they move past their fixed application date. Rolling admissions allows your student to still submit an application, even though a formal application deadline has come and gone. And some students may even make a mid-year transition, rather than waiting to enroll in the coming fall.
If your student has not started any private school applications, now is the time to focus on locating some schools that could be a great fit for your student. If you do find a school that doesn’t offer mid-year spots, you should apply anyway for the upcoming fall! Sometimes your student will learn in March if they are offered a spot, and other students may not hear until late spring or summer.
What You Need to Know About Rolling Admissions
Rolling admissions still require everything a normal admission process does. From interviews to essays and letters of recommendation, your student needs everything every other student needs. Keep in mind, just because your student is applying via the rolling admission process does not mean the school will automatically accept them, or even have a space for them. It’s also important to know that most (but not always all) financial aid is depleted in the second round of admissions, so always ask at the onset if that is of interest to your family.
Pay Attention to Details
Just because you can apply at any time with rolling admissions does not mean that deadlines for financial aid are fluid as well. Make sure you keep a close eye on any looming deadlines that make up your student’s application process. For students applying within the rolling admissions timeframe, financial aid may be more limited, as often most financial aid is dispersed during the traditional application dates. So mark your calendars and get your applications in sooner than later!
How To Opt for Rolling Admissions
Rolling admissions is a great option for your student when they have found a private school that will meet their needs. Just be sure to work expeditiously and keep in close contact with the admissions office as you work to complete your application!
If you’re not sure where to start with rolling admissions, we can help. From understanding the private school application and admissions process, to helping you find schools where your students will do their best, we’re here to offer our support. Consider us your experts and guides in the private school application process, whenever your student may apply.