<p>Would there be any increase in chances of admission if you sent the application several weeks before the deadline? Or does everyone in that time span get looked at equally with the same chances. I'm specifically talking about state universities.</p>
<p>bump.. i want to knw this as well</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I doubt it matters. But if by chance it does then that would be really sweet because I submitted my app to Columbia for ED in the very beginning of October.</p>
<p>You say "state universities." A lot depends on the admissions process for any state university. Large numbers (likely large majority) of state universities follow some form of rolling admissions, meaning they send out decisions as applications are received. Net result: if you wait until the application deadline to apply you will be at a disadvantage because admissions already determined before you applied could have filled or come close to filling the program you may want (you will even be at a disadvantage to those who applied only three weeks before you did). Also, even those without rolling admissions may have a form of early action where they release decisions to all those who apply by a certain date (usually in November) in mid-December. For example, UIUC, in the state you are moving too, has early action by sending decisions in mid-December to those who apply by Nov 1 and those early applicants have some (although not large) advantage over later applications. Other Illinois state universities follow rolling admissions.</p>
<p>If the college instead follows a process where all decisions are released after the application deadline date, e.g., Jan deadline/ March notifcation, then usually it makes no difference when you get the application in as long as you get everything in on time. However, even there, you need to check the college's rules and dates. For example, a number of state universities may have a January app deadline but you need to get your app in earlier (such as Dec 1) if you want to be considered for merit scholarships.</p>
<p>Ok, thanks for the help again drusba. You seem to comment on all my threads and you're really helpful. Thanks! Any other people have any more comments?</p>
<p>I don't think you will get a better answer than the one drusba provided.</p>
<p>He hit the nail right on the head.</p>
<p>Haha, drusba always does.</p>
<p>I sent in my application for James Madison University in like, August. Maybe they'll get the hint that it's my first choice.</p>
<p>Wow...August...</p>