<p>Everyone says that it's always best to hand in the application ASAP if a school has rolling admissions. I was wondering if this applies for colleges who set a deadline as well. Would they take in all applications first before reviewing them or is it a first come first serve basis like rolling admissions?</p>
<p>Most colleges probably begin reviewing applications as soon as they get them to save time, but it is certainly not "first come, first serve." The spaces, unlike with rolling admissions, do not fill up. If, after going through all of the applications, they end up having too many people in the accept pile, they will re-examine the files with a closer eye.</p>
<p>Rolling admissions means that they accept/reject as the applications come in. Therefore the spots fill up in the beginning. </p>
<p>For a set date there is no real incentive of sending them in early. They will not read them early and decide to accept you ahead of time. But of course early is better than late- it reflects well on you and your organization.</p>