<p>Aside from hearing the result earlier, is there any advantage to applying by the first notification deadline? The website says that applying early does not increase the likelihood of admission but does it affect anything like admissions to the honors program or the possibility of receiving a merit scholarship?</p>
<p>The only advantage is being assured of an answer by mid January instead of possibly needing to wait until March for any word. Everyone who applies by the February 1st deadline has equal chances for everything.</p>