When is the early decision deadline?

[mooseoverlord]

Is it today at 11:59 pm, or tomorrow at 11:59 pm?

[WhataProcess]

If the school’s site says the deadline is Nov 1, that means Nov 1 (by 11:59 on 11/1).
If the school’s site says BY November 1, that still means Nov 1.

If the school’s site says BEFORE November 1, well, that means BEFORE Nov 1 (by 11:59 on 10/31)…but I don’t really think any schools do this. The date they publish is the date they want the application by. They refer to/publish this date in multiple locations, they don’t want confusion as to whether an app actually needs to be there the day before; that wouldn’t make any sense.

Cornell example:
On the “Early Decision” page:

To apply for early decision, you must submit your completed application by November 1.

On the “Application Timeline” page:

The deadlines below are postmark deadlines.
Freshman Admission Timeline
Early Decision
Submit all required application materials (application mailing instructions) November 1

(note they actually say “postmark deadline”).

Check school’s site. All the information is there, and it is usually very clear.