<p>I'm a senior graduating in June of 2014, and I'm wondering whether The University of Chicago bases their admissions on a first come, first serve basis. I understand they have two options to apply; one in November and one in January, but I'm not sure if applying earlier than the due date or close to the due date will effect your admission reply one way or another. Can anyone help me? Any answers will be much appreciated, thanks!</p>
<p>You might have better luck on the U Chicago page:</p>
<p>[University</a> of Chicago - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/]University”>University of Chicago - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>As a rule, the only time that it’s advantageous to get an application in earlier is when you’re applying to a school that has rolling admissions.</p>
<p>For a school like U. Chicago, it doesn’t matter when the app is received, so long as it gets there by the deadline. Even if the committee starts reading the earliest app’s before to the deadline, those early app’s get no particular preference.</p>
<p>dodgersmom is correct officially. </p>
<p>But I’ve heard numerous admissions officers say that they remember the earlier applications more because by the time the rush starts of applications near the deadline a) they are swamped and can’t spend as much time with each one, and b) they themselves are under a lot more pressure. There are real flesh and blood people reading these applications, complete with their own faults and shortcomings. It’s good to remember that. </p>
<p>There is a UChicago rep on CC who is a long time CC poster, formerly as a student, who I believe will give you an honest answer. </p>
<p>YMMV</p>
<p>We place no emphasis on whether or not the application was submitted long before or just by our deadline-- so please just feel free to submit when you think your application is at its best and most polished.</p>
<p>Actually ClassicRockerDad, the opposite could be true. That is, the most recent (latest submitted) application could be weighed more favorably due to “proximity bias” (my term, in honor of UChicago behavioral economists). The reviewer remembers the last application read best and therefore weighs it the greatest.</p>
<p>Actually I believe the UChicago rep. All applications are reviewed the same, weather they are submitted on the first day or the last day. I think this can be achieved in theory and in practice because of the way applications are pared down. The initial reader does not pick the final pool, he or she just picks the application that makes the pool of possible admits. Subsequent review (s) pare it down further to the final list. This process is relatively short but careful, thus greatly reducing the chance of bias as you describe in your post.</p>
<p>Thanks to everyone for all of the help! I feel much better applying closer to the due date now and will definitely keep trying to make my application better before I send it in! Once again, thanks! You were all very helpful.</p>