What does ``Rolling Intake/Admissions`` mean?
As you browse post-secondary schools in Canada and British Columbia (a province of Canada), you may have seen the term “rolling intake” or “rolling admissions.” What does it mean?
Rolling admissions means that applications to the school are reviewed as they are received, not all at once after an application deadline. This means that students often get faster admission decisions, but programs may fill up before the deadline.
As with any admissions process, rolling admissions has pros and cons. Below, we’ll discuss those and highlight what they mean for international students who want to study at Capital College in Canada.
Why do schools offer rolling intake and admissions?
From an administrative perspective, rolling intake is a more efficient use of employee resources. Traditionally, admissions officers had to dedicate several days to reviewing applications after the admission deadline, which takes away from their other day-to-day duties.
Instead, admissions officers of rolling intake programs can fit in smaller volumes of application reviews as needed, reviewing as few as one or two applications daily. This is much easier to fit into their already busy schedule. It also helps them predict class sizes and can potentially add new classes if demand is high and resources allow.
Student pros and cons of rolling intake programs
For students, deciding whether to choose a school with rolling admissions is more complex but not difficult once you understand. Here are the pros and cons of rolling intake admissions for post-secondary schools:
Pros
- Greater flexibility: You can apply as soon as you’re ready instead of procrastinating or waiting until the last minute because there is no motivation to submit sooner.,
- Faster decisions: Rolling intake programs offer program spots as they are accepted, even before the application deadline. This means you get your answer much faster and can begin preparing for your flights and housing, and finding suitable part-time employment if needed.
- Increases schooling opportunity: If you are denied admission to rolling intake programs, you often still have time to apply to other programs at the same school or other schools if necessary.
- (Potentially) Less competition: If you can apply earlier in the application process, you have a better chance of getting a spot before the program fills up later with applicants who left it to the last minute.
Cons
- If you don’t apply early enough, programs may fill up and close before the application deadline.
- You may miss out if you can’t apply early due to not having all the application requirements in time.
- It can be stressful if you feel pressured to apply early to get an early spot in the program.
How does rolling admission impact international students in Canada?
If you’re an international student planning to apply to a post-secondary school in BC or Canada, rolling admissions can impact your planning and application process. Here are the top five things to keep in mind about rolling intake as a potential international student:
- You have more time to apply: You have more time to gather your required documents or get the necessary language proficiency scores and study permits with rolling intake programs.
- You still need a study visa. International students must coordinate their study visa requirements with their application. After acceptance, you can apply for your study visa, and if you apply early in the admissions process, you have more time to secure your permit before classes.
- You have flexible start dates. Many programs have intake periods throughout the year, so if you want (or need) to take a few months off for personal, recreational, or financial reasons, you never have to wait long until the next class start date.
- There may be greater competition for spots. Rolling intake programs are often very popular and can fill up quickly.
- More time to settle: Early acceptance in a rolling intake program gives you more time to save money and find suitable housing arrangements. If you plan to live on-campus or close to a large school, housing can be difficult or impossible to find if you leave it too late.
Comparison: Rolling intake vs. other admissions
Rolling intake programs are not your only choice. Here are two common admissions processes you may want to compare with rolling admissions:
- Fixed deadline admissions
Rolling and fixed-deadline applications can be submitted anytime during the intake window. Rolling applications are reviewed as they come in for faster decisions, but fixed-deadline applications are set aside and reviewed in a large batch after the deadline.
- Early decision/Early action
If a school grants you an early decision, it’s a binding commitment, and if accepted, you must attend. Early action decisions are similar, but you can still withdraw from the program if you change your mind or are accepted to your preferred program elsewhere. Rolling intake is the most flexible, offering early decisions and no set cut-off date for withdrawing your application.
Who benefits most from rolling intakes?
Are you considering a rolling intake program? Your decision will be based on the program and school you wish to attend and your unique needs. Typically, students who benefit most from this intake process are:
- Students who need or want flexibility when they apply
- Students who apply late in the process or need more time to make their final decision
- Students who are interested in less competitive programs
About rolling admissions at Capital College
Capital College is committed to enrolling students who meet all our program admission criteria and who are likely to succeed in meeting their education and career goals. We’re proud to offer rolling admissions, which gives local and international students the greatest flexibility in choosing their post-secondary education.
You can submit your interest in a Capital College program anytime on our website. An admissions officer will then contact you to confirm your eligibility and answer any application questions you may have.
If you are interested in Capital College programs in Early Learning, Montessori, or Hospitality, we invite you to apply now to maximize your opportunities and get you into the next program start date that works for you.
Learn more about Capital College’s Post-Secondary programs, and submit your application interest today to get started.