Do I have to have EVERYTHING by the DEADLINE?

<p>When a deadline is given, does it refer to the application (or online app) itself or the app with all the supplements?
When I say everything, I mean transcript, recommendation, reports, resume, fee, supplements, etc by the deadline? </p>

<p>I know that it's best to have everything but my teachers stem this process since they forget that they owe me a recommendation. It's no excuse; good thing, I'm just using the Common App because applications are frustrating. </p>

<p>Well, according to the admissions officer I spoke to at Columbia University, by the deadline (say Nov 1 or Jan 1), you must submit the Common Application itself. That includes any supplementary essays, the list of ECs, and so on. This would be the student portion of the application. You also must pay the Common App application fees when you submit your application. There is no bypassing it.</p>

<p>However, it is okay if the teacher recommendations/school reports arrive a few days late. That is the teacher’s or the school’s responsibility.</p>

<p>GENERALLY, only the application is certainly required by the deadline. Many supplemental forms - teacher recommendations, counselor recommdations, secondary school reports, test scores, transcripts, etc. can be a few days late. However I am not sure if all schools do this. Either way, try to submit everything you can on time to avoid any confusion later on in the process.</p>

<p>You need to get all the things that are in your (and your family, including financial aid forms) control in on time, including fee. They will usually let your recommendations letter come a bit later, but make every effort to follow up with a reminder of the due date and let them know you have all your stuff in and they are just awaiting the letter to review your application.</p>

<p>For most colleges (be sure to check on the website though), they require the Common App by that date, which means all your info, essays, etc. Many schools, however, are lenient with recommendations, school reports, etc. which you should still get in as soon as possible, but it will be acceptable after the due date.</p>

<p>Be careful and check each college for example the University of Michigan requires everything submitted or time stamped by their deadline to qualify for the EA cycle. It is possible there are other places like this.</p>

<p>Sorry for the confusion. I’m referring to the additional supplements such as recommendations, and school reports, transcripts; not the ECs, essays, personal info which is already included in the application. </p>