Cappex College Blog

Q: Is it better to send in my application much earlier than the deadline date? — Sarah, Lansing, Mich.

A: Being early is always better than being late, but most importantly you need to be on time. You have control over when you submit online. However, you do not have control of the postal service that is responsible for delivering your high school transcript and school forms to the colleges. Also, your high school may need time to process your transcript or application before it can be sent. Therefore, we say apply as early as you can as long as you have been diligent in preparing the application.

Some colleges review applications as soon as they arrive – this is called “rolling admission” – and will make decisions as they go along. This means that a college will make decisions on applications as they are received. Once the spots for admissions are filled other applications arriving later, even if they are on time, may be held until a college determines how much room is still available. Some examples include Baylor University, Depaul University and Seton Hall University.

Other colleges operate on what’s called “priority deadline.” This means that all applications received by the deadline will be reviewed equally.

Your best bet: Keep things stress free and get your applications out early. Then enjoy the rest of the semester.

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Special thanks to counselor Mary Beth Kravetz.