<p>I was recently sorting through some mail and came across the WashU pre-application and the Harvard Common App that they want you to send in immediately so that they can open a file. Does it matter when these are sent in, if at all? I'm not sure if I want to apply to Harvard and thus don't want to be pulled into applying this way.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Don’t worry about the Harvard common app, that you can send in any time before the deadline, but I do think you should send in the WashU pre-application as soon as possible. If I remember correctly, the pre-application was a rather short questionnaire that could be filled out in less than ten minutes. Not only do you want the school to open a file for you early so that everything you send to them later can be properly stored under your name, sending in the pre-application early may indicate a greater interest in the school on your part, which may end up helping you slightly during admissions. (Also, unlike with other colleges, for WUSTL you have to request an interview yourself if you wish to have one.)</p>