<p>I'm almost done with my SOP, but I'm not very sure if I should submit my applications yet, since I always make some changes whenever I re-read my SOP. Is there any advantage of submitting the applications long before the deadline? Is there any disadvantage if I submit it just before the deadline?</p>
<p>Neither, really, apart from the possibility of computer or delivery problems. They won't look at anything until after the deadline.</p>
<p>That's not always true. The head of admissions at one school I applied to last year sent me an encouraging e-mail after looking over my application well before the deadline. I was accepted less than two weeks after the deadline in late December.</p>
<p>Diffferent professors have different ways of handling admissions. If they happen to like looking at applications as they come in, being one of the first to submit can be advantageous.</p>
<p>I agree with Addwit on this one. I sent emails to profs I was interested in working with prior to submitting apps, initially got emails back saying admissions is tough, blah blah blah, we'll see where you fit after decisions are made. Once I submitted my apps to certain schools, emails from faculty started coming in saying they were impressed with my credentials and requested phone meetings with me, the begining of the grad school courting process. This was over a month before I heard from a single school regarding the decision.</p>
<p>My thought is it can't hurt, so why not if you are ready?</p>
<p>I agree with Addwit and viennariver -- I actually got an interview invitation before the application submission deadline from one school because I'd submitted early. (Note that I don't think it was an advantage for my application, per se, just for my peace of mind.)</p>
<p>Also, never underestimate the power of computer or delivery problems. :) They happen more often than you'd like to believe!</p>
<p>mollieb,</p>
<p>mind telling us who replied early to you?</p>
<p>Sure thing -- it was Michigan.</p>
<p>Yup, I know of folks who were accepted before the deadline.</p>