So I’m applying to he university of Michigan with a decent but by no means great shot at getting accepted given my stats. I’m planning on applying early action and I have until the Novemeber deadline to turn in the common app. I was planning on having a couple of teachers help with my essay and really revising it well but my mom just talked to a friend (who’s the mother of a Michigan student) who said the key to getting accepted is applying within a week that the common app is available. My mom is trying to get me to rush and turn in my application in the next few days, is this a good idea? Or should I take my time? Thanks so much!!
Also would it be smart to even apply early action with a 30 on the ACT or should I go regular decision and try to get it up to a 31/32?
Was this advice specific to Michigan? If so, I have no idea (but I highly doubt rushing is a good idea.)
If it was general advice, then NO. It’s not necessary nor would it be smart to rush your application. You shouldn’t miss a deadline or even cut it too close (computers are known to go down!), but rushing to get it out gives you no advantage. Get your essay reviewed and revised, take your time so you don’t make stupid mistakes.
I would say don’t turn it in early for the sake of turning it in early. If you genuinely are happy with your application and you happen to be finished with it very early on, submit it. I submitted all my common application apps in early September after working on my essays during the summer, and it was a relief to have it done so I could focus on school and enjoying the last year of it, while all my peers were stressed and struggling. I don’t know if it gave me any sort of leg up, and I don’t know anything about Michigan in particular, but if you’re applying to colleges where admissions are rolling, applying early would likely help. If not, applying early could indeed show interest. I would recommend submitting your application as soon as you’re done, but don’t rush to get it done just to submit it early.