I couldnt find an answer to this one - if application deadline is November 1st, does that mean that everything college requires must be submitted before that date? Or is is for actual application and the rest can be later?
Example, is it ok to send for deadline Nov 1st:
Common application sent on Oct 1
GPA scores sent Oct 1
recommendation forms sent November 15
transcripts sent Nov 5
dates are arbitrary, the reason asking because first 2 items are in my control, last two are in control of school teachers and administration.
Deadline is for the completed application components. Your application will be moved into regular decision (or maybe EDII?) consideration if the college does not grant some nominal amount of time (one or two days) after the close of deadline to receive all the pieces of the application.The college should show stated deadline for receipt of standardized tests, which they will list as ‘last testing date to be eligible for consideration for deadline’.
^ This is incorrect. Colleges want to process you according to what you want (EA or ED). The deadline for follow on materials is not “one or two days” – it’s whatever is reasonable to render a decision.
Ideally, everything flows in shortly after Nov 01, but they know that those items are out of the applicant’s control. Spk w/your guid counselor to prepare them for what you’re planning. Hopefully, they have experience with EA/ED applicants and are efficient at getting all docs into your target schools.
Basically, the other items have a “softer” deadline but don’t push it b/c their evaluation window is very small.
@T26E4 is absolutely correct. In the OP’s example, 11/1 is the hard deadline for everything under his/her control. Items not under his/her control have some leeway. Having said that, 11/15 may be pushing it depending on the college, and in such a case, either the applicant and/or the GC may receive communication that the application is incomplete. Most GC’s and teachers have been through this drill before, so they would be aware of the deadlines.
Thank you. Just need to hope for the best I guess… I will do whatever is in my control. I just hope colleges understand if something like “recommendation” comes in late. As to the transcripts, I think schools send them electronically nowdays, so should not take long.
“I just hope colleges understand if something like “recommendation” comes in late” They’ve been doing this for a very very long time. They know how to get the rec letters from your teachers. Don’t fret.
It depends on the school. Some school would allow a grace period of a couple weeks to receive test scores, LORs, and transcript while some schools have a strict deadline. It is always better to submit everything a couple weeks before the deadline to ensure everything arrive on time and you have a chance to track and take any necessary action in case something happens.