<p>I intend to make use of SCEA/ED to my first choice school (haven't decided which) and then RD to the rest. I'm a little confused about the timing, though.</p>
<p>I know that ED/SCEA decisions come out right before RD deadlines. So then I would imagine that people usually prepare all of their RD applications and then wait for their SCEA/ED result before pressing send on their RD apps. Is this the right way to go? </p>
<p>I'm concerned that applying last minute RD will be disadvantageous because adcoms might start reviewing applications before the deadline. For some grad schools they have multiple rounds of admission and it helps to apply early in round 1 or 2 since they have few seats remaining in the last round. Is there a similar phenomenon for undergrad RD apps (where the time you send your application matters) or not?</p>
<p>I could file all of my RD applications "early" too but I don't want to lose the application fees if I get into my top choice in SCEA/ED.</p>
<p>As far as I know, unless a school is a rolling admit school they wait until the RD deadline is passed to review applications. The similar phenomenon to your grad admission rounds is RD/EA.</p>
<p>"So then I would imagine that people usually prepare all of their RD applications and then wait for their SCEA/ED result before pressing send on their RD apps. Is this the right way to go? "</p>
<p>Exactly. This is the strategy people should plan on.</p>
<p>“Is there a similar phenomenon for undergrad RD apps (where the time you send your application matters) or not?”</p>
<p>It matters not at all. Mostly, peoples’ files are in various stages of completion – often without the influence of the applicant. Scores to come in, school reports, transcripts, rec letters all flowing in. Some schools begin reading when all arrives. Some will start some initial reading. Since they are dealing with a large pool, it makes sense to start some sorting. However, to imagine there being any disadvantage to submitting your apps at the deadline is needless worrying. </p>
<p>Hold off on you RD apps until you hear from your EA school.</p>