Is it possible to submit a regular decision application before the deadline, or do colleges prefer we wait until closer to the deadline? Wondering if it gives any advantage—or are there any potential downsides?
Yes, it's entirely possible—and often encouraged—to submit your regular decision applications before the official deadline. The admissions offices at colleges receive a bulk of applications very close to the deadline and immediately afterward. Submitting earlier could potentially get your application reviewed when the admissions officers are less overwhelmed.
On the other hand, don't rush to submit your applications if they aren't ready just because it's earlier. The quality of your application is far more important than the timing. And always remember: college applications are not rolling admissions, meaning your application won’t be read until after the deadline. Whether you submit it one month early, one week early, or right on the deadline doesn't affect when your application will get read.
Last but not least, submitting early gives you a buffer in case anything goes wrong technically, such as errors with the Common App or the school-specific application portal. It's much less stress-inducing to handle these issues if you're not up against the application deadline. Keep in mind, however, that you cannot make any changes to your application once it's been submitted, so make sure it's as perfect as can be before clicking that submit button!
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