Best timing to submit college applications?

Hello everyone, I'm a bit clueless about the college application timeline. I know deadlines are important but are there any benefits to submitting the applications earlier? And when should I ideally aim to complete them?

Submitting your applications earlier can give you a few key benefits. First, it gives you breathing room. If something unexpected happens close to the deadline, you've already got your application in.

At colleges that use rolling admissions, there's a more concrete benefit: applying earlier generally improves your odds of admission, since the admissions committee considers applications as they come in, and the earlier you are in the process, the more spots are still open.

In terms of when you should aim to complete your applications, that depends on the deadlines of the schools you're applying to, and whether you're applying early action, early decision, or regular decision.

If you're applying early action or early decision, which usually have deadlines in November, you should aim to have your application finalized by the last week of October. If you're applying regular decision, where deadlines are often in January, aim to have your applications done before Christmas - grinding on applications over the holidays is never fun, and if you have any last-minute questions, admissions offices are usually closed between Christmas and New Year, due to the holidays.

If you'd like to learn more about the different application timelines, their approximate deadlines, and their pros and cons, I'd check out the comprehensive overview provided in this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/ea-vs-ed-vs-rea

However, do keep in mind that essays often take longer than expected, and getting your transcript or recommendation letters might also require some time, so plan accordingly. For example, you might aim to finish writing your essays a couple of weeks before the application is due and then spend the rest of the time refining them and taking care of the other application components.

With letters of recommendation, you should ask teachers at least a month in advance, but the earlier, the better - teachers are busy, and might be writing letters for other students as well. If you're applying early anywhere, asking at the start of your senior year is a good rule of thumb.

It's also very beneficial to have other people review your essays and application materials, so factoring in any feedback you receive can also influence your timeline. For instance, you might choose to send your essays to a trusted teacher or two for review a month before the application deadline, and then make revisions based on any feedback you receive.

Overall, the earlier you can complete your applications, the better, but it's critical to strike a balance between gaining the advantages of early submission and ensuring you're submitting your very best work. Best of luck - I hope you find this overview helpful!