<p>I was looking at the Common App, and it lists two different deadlines/options for EA (11/01/12) and Rolling (2/1/13). How does this work exactly? Can EA applicants be reviewing with rolling, or can they only find out when all EA applicants find out? Likewise, will rolling applicants only receive notice when a decision has been made, and can it be before EA applicants find out? I'm a little confused about both existing simultaneously, and the advantage of applying EA.</p>
<p>Rolling is basically anyone who applies after EA. All EA people find out at once in late December whereas people who apply after might find out in January, February, March or April. Either way most people are getting deferred.</p>
<p>But if you apply prior to EA with the rolling option, couldn’t you get a decision earlier than EA?</p>
<p>You will not find out earlier than EA. If you want to find out as soon as possible apply EA and based on the last couple of years you will hear back in mid to late December. The rolling decisions come after that. There are a large number of students who are accepted EA. Whether you are accepted or deferred will depend on how compelling your application is.</p>