Hello. I have a question about regular decision applications, and I can’t seem to find an answer to this anywhere. I would like to know whether one can submit a college application before an early action deadline, but have it be considered for the regular application deadline. For example, Stanford’s early action deadline is November 1st and they have restrictive early action, so I am unable to apply early to other private schools. However, would I be able to submit an application to another private school, like Harvard, before the early action deadline and have it be considered for the regular application deadline?
Yes, but you would receive your Stanford EA results before the RD deadline for Harvard, and thus, if you were admitted to S, you’d have to withdraw your H app before it is even reviewed by H’s adcomms.
Why would you have to withdraw the Harvard app? I thought Stanford’s early program was not binding.
You’re correct. You would not have to w/d your Harvard application However, since you’re applying RD for Harvard, that application wouldn’t be complete until your 1st semester grades are submitted by your school. While you may have it turned in by October, no one in Cambridge would look at it until January – regardless of Stanford (b/c SCEA doesn’t require your 7th semester grades – your RD apps will require them)
Harvard prefers that you submit applications on the earlier side. Not in October but sometime in early December. They mention something about preferring applications by December 15 IIRC. Duke gives priority to interviews based on when you apply for RD.
I do think they will start reviewing you in some schools the earlier you apply but ^ is correct that you would not find out any earlier in the absence of a likely letter. I do know people who were accepted into a HYP by pressing the Common App button on December 31 in the evening.