Q. Application Timing - Does it Matter When You Send in Your Applications?

A. The short, frustrating answer is that it depends on where you plan to apply. It should go without saying that regardless of a school's policies, you should always send your application in with plenty of time to meet the stated deadlines: submitting your application late is risky and shows that you lack discipline and an ability to follow directions.

But what about when a school gives you, say, a January 1 or March 1 deadline? Does it help to get the application in earlier? Generally speaking, it's good to get an application in as early as possible to schools that practice rolling admissions. That's because those schools eventually fill the class and you'll run into trouble if you apply late in the game a good crop of applicants has forced the college to become more picky. It's also nice to hear back sooner from colleges and get your future settled.

At colleges that don't practice rolling admissions but instead have an early deadline and a March or April common notification date (this includes most highly competitive colleges), it's less important to get your application in early - unless you're applying early decision or early action. While it's risky to tread too close to the deadline, you won't be penalized if you submit your application in the last few weeks.

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