How do application deadlines work?

Question

Which scenario is correct?

Scenario 1: The college's deadline is January 1. I submit the application on Nov 1. Will they review it before Jan 1st or they will review it after the deadline has lapsed?

Scenario 2: The college's deadline is January 1. I submit the app on 31st Dec. Am I at any disadvantage when compared to the Nov 1st application? Which application will they pick up to review first? Or is it picked randomly?

I need to write my GMAT again and am planning 23rd December. Is it okay to write it around that time when the application deadlines are lurking around the corner? I hope the GMAC isn't off for the Christmas week !

Thanks

CrackverbalGMAT · Answer

This depends on the particular school you are applying to.

Schools with rolling admissions follow scenario 1 - that is, they process applications as and when they receive them and send out interview calls. NUS is a good example of this. So the earlier you apply, the better it is for you.

Schools with round-based admissions follow scenario 2 - they will review all applications only after the specified deadline. So you don't lose anything by applying on the last day (though server issues due to high traffic are often reported) nor do you gain anything by submitting your application early, in terms of admission advantage.

Regards
Gowri

Gowri N Kishore
Admissions Coach

mbasidekick · Answer

Thanks Gowri. I am planning to apply to Kellogg, Ross & Cornell in Round 2. All of these have round based admissions. So I am safe applying on the last day or somewhere around that, right?

Also, what do you think about the GMAT ? Is it okay if I write it around 23rd December? I mean, I don't want that GMAC office is closed for Christmas week and I can't report my scores!

CrackverbalGMAT · Answer

The GMAC says that the standard time to send out official score reports is ~20 days though they may do it sooner. It is best to factor this in and not leave your exam too late.

Also, depending on where your prep is right now, you may want to keep a buffer of 31 days in case you have to retake the test (hopefully not!) - i.e. if you take the test by end-Nov, but don't hit your target score, you can retake at the end of Dec.

Regards
Gowri

Gowri N Kishore
Admissions Coach

mbasidekick · Answer

But isn't it true that universities allow you to report your unofficial scores at the time of application and ask for an official report only if you are selected?

CrackverbalGMAT · Answer

Yes, quite a few schools allow you to do this - report your unofficial report. It's best to check the FAQs section of the admissions portal of the particular schools or write/call the admissions office to know their stand.

Regards
Gowri

Gowri N Kishore
Admissions Coach

How do application deadlines work?

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