I am applying to Harvard for restrictive early application. The application is officially due Nov 1, but on their website, Harvard writes:
“Early Action applicants: We recommend that you send your application by this date [October 15] so that we may create and begin processing your file, and schedule an alumni/ae interview if possible.”
I don’t know how confident I am in my college essay and may need more time to work on it. Does anyone know if not meeting that recommended October 15 deadline affect my chances of getting accepted?
The recommended deadline is a “courtesy deadline” meaning that if your application is ready Admissions would prefer you send it in earlier rather than wait for the November 1st deadline. Sending your application in by October 15th gives Admissions several more weeks to put together files and start reading applications in what is a compressed 6-week SCEA Admissions cycle.
But make no mistake, students who submit their application before the “courtesy deadline” DO NOT stand a better chance of acceptance than students who submit at the last minute. If you are not confident of your application and want/need more time to work on your essays or refine your EC list – then take your time!
Over the years, many students have been admitted to Harvard in the SCEA and RD round by submitting their application at 11:59pm right before the deadline. So, no worries!
Yes, I know.
It will have zero impact on the admissions decision. The request is made by Harvard every year, and serves only to benefit Harvard, allowing the AO (really the students workers) additional time to start assembling the packets. Most, if not all, of the AO’s are still in the field prior to 11/1 doing college fairs and the like, so it’s not like an application is likely to be read in advance of the deadline.
The only benefit for the student is getting it off his/her plate. But if your essay is not ready to go, don’t feel pressured to turn your application in prior to 11/1.
Thank you so much gibby and skieurope!
Well…it does allow additional time for an interview to be assigned and completed, though I agree with @skieurope that an applicant should not rush an application if it’s not ready.