Hello. I have heard that it is more beneficial to apply to colleges on the actual deadline. I am going to apply ED and the deadline is November first. Should I wait to send in my application until November first or submit it as soon as possible? Thanks!
Don’t believe everything you hear.
If Villanova, or any other college, wanted to practice rolling admissions, it would. Getting the application in earlier benefits the college; the clericals can start assembling application packets. The only benefit to you is that it gets it off you plate. But don’t submit early if you are not 100% satisfied with your application. But for the more part, AOs are still out in the field going fairs and stuff, so few applications, if any outside of athletic recruits, will be read before the deadline.
Unless it is a rolling admissions system, there is no inherent benefit in submitting early. Everyone finds out their admissions decision on the same date.
My D last year had a lot of EA apps that were due Nov 1st (not ED) and she sent them all sometime in late October. There in no need to send them earlier than that. If you have everything ready already I would let them sit for a bit and then after school starts and in the end of September beginning of October I would look at them again with fresh eyes and see if I want any minor changes and then send. I personally would not wait until the last day just in case of computer problems etc. She had a lot of friends sending at 11:59 of Nov 1st and it was crazy. The chances are still the same but if you are a well organized person do everything on your own pace, finish and enjoy before the mad rush. Good luck!
Waiting until the last minute runs the risk of computer issues.
Get to it earlier. No need to do an all nighter to complete it, but get it in by mid October for a Nov 1 deadline.
My daughter got most of hers in early because she had a brutal senior year course load and tons of ECs she wanted to have time for. Summer was just easier for her to get the bulk of the applications done and submitted. Plus she had plenty of work with applications for honors college invites that came after the application was received.
Personal preference but I wouldn’t wait until too close incase you are missing something or there is a computer glitch.
Our goal is for all of Son’s college apps to be complete and sent by the time school begins on 8/27. He has already completed and sent 4. TX football is no joke and is all consuming. Combine that with 5 AP classes, orchestra, AND scholarship essays/apps…something has to give. College apps were the most flexible choice and every admissions officer we spoke to on 9 official college visits recommended that he complete the applications early. I’ve yet to hear anyone advise “wait until closer to the Nov. 1st deadline”. As a high school librarian, there are a number of students in my hs who wait until the last minute. Not only are they panicked, but their apps, which they ask for help with, are not of the best quality. Having the time for 2nd & third passes with a clear, relaxed disposition is important.