What if you submit it on the deadline? The day before the deadline? The week before? The month before? Three months before? In other words, if a deadline is, say, Oct 15, are admins reading the apps now? Or are they waiting for Oct. 15 and then they start in?
It depends on the college, but in general, assuming the college is not a rolling admissions college, and assuming that the applicant is not a recruited athlete that needs a completed app in by 9/30, yes, AO’s will read applications before the deadline. However, at least in my college, the application has to be totally complete before the AO’s will start reading. That means all recs, test scores (if applicable), transcripts, etc. need to be in.
Regardless, there is no advantage in the admission process, but from the student (and probably parent) perspective, it’s a huge relief to get off of his/her plate.
Unless it is rolling admission, there is no advantage to submitting your application early. IMO it is best to give yourself a little leeway in case of anything unexpected (ex. internet outage).
thanks you guys…very helpful!