Here’s the thing about “early action”: you’re supposed to apply early. I’ve applied to both Auburn and Georgia Tech now, and I’ve been accepted to Auburn already. I had very different experiences applying to each, so I’ll share my experiences with both.
For Auburn, I applied well, <em>well</em> in advance of the deadline. In fact, I think my application was in within the first week early action applications were open. The essay was a pain to write, but then, so are all essays. They don’t get any easier the longer you wait. I was able to submit my application without any problems, except that I had applied before finding out I was a national merit semifinalist. A quick email to the admissions counselor fixed that within a day of my notification of my status as a semifinalist. I received a letter in the mail a couple of days ago that notified me that Auburn had accepted me, and that was that. No hassle, no fuss, just being patient.
For Tech, I applied thirty minutes ago, one day before the deadline. At least, one day before the deadline until it was pushed back because so many people had procrastinated and were overloading the Common App’s servers. I have spent seven hours in total tonight trying to get my application through, and now that I have, I regret waiting this long. I’ve had my essay for the Common app halfway finished for weeks now, and I only finished it today. I have lost several hours of sleep waiting for the application (and now writing this before I forget to) to finally allow me to preview the final product, then try to pay, then reject me because I use a script blocker on my main browser, then try to work it out on Chrome, then pay, then go through the same process to submit the writing supplement.
My friend also used the Common App to apply to a few colleges, including Tech. He had no problems applying, but he was finished with his application a week ago. I have since learned a valuable lesson that I hope everyone else will hear before it’s too late for them: DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. It will lead to hours of nervous misery waiting for the Common App’s broken system to dredge up a single web page so you can change just one more detail, one more activity, only to find that the spacing has been messed up by the Common App’s system and that you have to go back and do it over again.
I don’t need to go on about how much better it is to apply early than to apply late, but I will say this: Auburn’s application took me minutes to send. Tech’s took me almost a third of a day. If you enjoy baiting the odds that the system will accept your application seconds before the deadline, then go ahead and procrastinate as long as you can. However, if you’re a normal human being who likes to be done with college applications, you need to apply as early as possible. Don’t make excuses to yourself about how it’s not due for another month, just get it done. You’ll thank yourself later.
Thank you for taking the time to share you experience. I’m wondering if your parents were patiently watching the process unfold:) ? I have a junior and I’ve heard there were many problems with the Common App this year.
I really appreciate the information. I am in the process of applying with a deadline of 1 Dec. my online is done and my essays - just need to sit and put it together. I will be sure to have it done tomorrow. Thanks again. Hope I can get it uploaded.