Hey guys,
So I’m thinking about applying to Harvard early action this year. On their website it says that they recommend you send it by October 15th, even though it is due November 1st. I was wondering whether or not sending it in October 15th will help my chances getting in, and will sending it in November 1st hurt my chances since they recommended you send it by Oct 15th? Or is it insignificant?
Sending it early will not help your chances. Sending it November 1 will not hurt your chances.
The October 15th recommendation is a courtesy deadline, meaning that when a student submits by that date, it allows admissions officer an additional time to review applications. However, as @skieurope said, submitting by October 15th (or earlier) will NOT increase your chances. And, FWIW many students have been admitted by submitting their applications at 11:59pm on November 1st. Although this is an old article, it will give you an idea of what happens after you press the submit button: http://www.bostonmagazine.com/2006/05/keys-to-the-kingdom/