<p>What does "apply by" mean? It seems like it's sort of a gray area between "received by" and "postmarked by."</p>
<p>If I am applying through the common app ED, do they have to receive the paper portion (transcript, recs, etc) before the deadline, or the electronic application before the deadline? or both?</p>
<p>The electronic application is a definite yes.</p>
<p>ok that's what I thought. what about the paper portion though, because that might be a problem....</p>
<p>Most schools give some leeway with the parts over which you have no control (recs, school reports, etc.).</p>
<p>ok great, so basically if i have the electronic portion in by the deadline i'm good? also, is the electronic portion submitted immediately, or does it take a few days to process as well?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure it's submitted immediately (so colleges would consider it submitted on time if you submitted it 10/31 for an 11/1 deadline even if they didn't download it immediately). They don't necessarily need to process it by the deadline, I believe, just receive it.</p>