<p>Are you more likely to hear back from Penn State sooner if you apply well before the priority deadline? I know a girl in my grade who was accepted about a week and a half after applying on October 23. Her grandparents are alumni though, which may have helped the process. I just applied last Thursday and by Friday all documents were in. I know the date says by January 31, but is it possible that I'll get my response just as quickly as hers came? Around how long should I expect before I receive a response?</p>