Application and Transcript Timing

I’m a high school senior in Tennessee, and I’m planning on sending out my applications (3) online ( 2 CommonApp 1 via the schools online application) next week during my fall break. However, my school counselor has to send my transcripts manually in the mail. They’ve told me they’ll put it in the box either this Friday (October 7) or the Monday we get back (October 17). I asked them to put it in the box on Friday, as one of my colleges early deadlines is next Saturday (October 15), which is why I’m applying now.

My question is, do I need to try to time it so that the application and the transcript arrive at about the same time? Or is it okay if my transcript/application arrives first? Which one should arrive earlier? My counselor said that if she sent the transcript too early it could be lost to “no man’s land,” which is what I’m afraid of happening.

The colleges I’m sending them to are UTK, NCSU (which is the one with the upcoming deadline), and UAlabama.

Thank you in advance.

Colleges have taken in hundreds of thousands of documents. They’re perfectly capable of accepting your docs in stages. This isn’t something to worry about.

Also, if any document does get waylaid – they’ll contact you. Remember, they WANT to find a way to admit you (and your tuition!)