Other than getting it done, is there an advantage to submitting a RD application in October rather than in December?

Applying to College
1

The college we have in mind doesn’t have supplemental essays but is highly selective. Given that my D22 has completed her Common App essay (which was used for an REA application), should she just submit the RD application now rather than waiting until December? Note that this college will not inform RD applicants until March. Thanks.

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There are some schools where you need to apply earlier than the RD deadline for merit scholarships ( e.g. USC, Grinnell). They normally state that date. Otherwise, there likely isn’t any advantage. If the school has an early program, an RD application is likely sitting around until they are finished with that round.

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In addition, it gets it off her plate. And for some schools she may get an interview request earlier.

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D20 submitted all of her applications in October. She had one for EA and another ED. She had a backup for ED2. Her thinking was they were all in and done and she could focus on other things. Plus, the ED2 was all set, should she need to make that adjustment.

In retrospect, she should have held off. She was accepted to her ED school and we could have saved the money for all of the other application fees.

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At one of my kids’ schools housing priority is based on when the application was submitted.

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Thanks, everyone, for responding. This college has no merit scholarships (@Eeyore123), no interviews (@skieurope) and, as far as I know, no housing priority based on application submission timing (@Mjkacmom).

Might just wait until December in case it is not needed and we can save on the application fee (@helpingmom40).

Thanks again.

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Unless, submitting early could be a way of showing clear and certain interest.

I’m a fan of starting the essay writing early and submitting apps early. This has alleviated a lot of stress in my household. But my D22 is not EDing anywhere. Good luck!

8

That’s true. Thanks, @Winky1.

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I would wait esp if she will have an answer on the REA app before December. If she’s rejected, she may want to revisit her app just to see if there’s anything she wants to tweak before submitting. Also, why not save on the app fee if you can.

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