<p>When it says that the deadline is January 1st on the common app (or when colleges say that their deadline is Jan.1), does that mean Dec.31 at 11:59 or Jan.1 at 11:59?- that is, relative to whichever time zone they are considering it.</p>
<p>This IS NOT a dumb question. I had to ask my mom a few weeks ago. It is due January 1st at 11:59 PM.</p>
<p>It’s not a dumb question, and it is indeed January 1 at 11:59, but it is definitely a dumb thing to do. Try to submit applications at least 24 hours before the deadline, preferably 72.</p>
<p>Thanks guys 
I got deferred from Yale and am doing all apps last minute… But yeah. 12 hours before the deadline should be good for me.</p>
<p>The site will get very busy close to the deadline and may experience delays. Allow extra time to get it submitted so you aren’t stressed or run into technical problems.</p>