I know rolling admissions tend to generate a response in 8-12 weeks, but what is the advantage to applying to one over the other when both are offered? I ended up applying rolling to OSU a few weeks ago in hopes of hearing back earlier. Was this a mistake? Do I lose out on anything by applying rolling instead of EA?
You miss out on scholarships and it is harder to get into some of the colleges. Rolling will not get your decision out any faster.
EA applicants have the chance to be considered for more scholarships, admittance to more competitive programs such as Engineering, etc. I also believe EA applicants had the chance to apply for the Honors or the Scholars program; not sure if rolling applicants also have this option but I don’t believe they do. EA applicants typically receive a decision first; usually either an acceptance or a deferral to regular admission. However, I’m sure you will be fine and will get an acceptance!
What leads you to believe OSU offers both rolling and early? Their website speaks only to Early Action and Regular decision admission deadlines. Applying before Nov 1 means you have effectively applied EA. If you apply after Nov 1 you have applied regular decision. Applying EA means you’ll get a decision by mid-January and are eligible for most merit scholarships. Applying RD means you’ll get a decision by the end of March and are only potentially eligible for Morrill Scholarship.
Common App has the option to select either Early Action or Rolling, with nothing regarding Regular Decision. I applied rolling with the assumption that I would hear back earlier like how most other schools use Rolling. I did contact an admissions counselor at OSU, who told me that any application Rolling or EA received prior to November 1st will be considered as EA and will receive all of the same benefits and hear back at the same time as EA. In conclusion, problem solved, as my Rolling application is treated as EA.