<p>Some schools are going to offer earlier deadlines and notification than others, so you might be able to use that to your advantage. For example, say UIUC is a mid-range pick for you and you’d go there over about half the schools on your list, no matter what. UIUC has a Priority application that lets you know by Dec. 13 whether you’re in or not - if you’re in, the schools with application deadlines after Dec. 13 that you would not pick over UIUC drop off. Check for early application opportunities, particularly for your higher ranked schools, and see if you can eliminate some applications that way.</p>