This article is an attempt to answer a few questions related to the US University deadlines. There is a lot of doubt in the minds of the applicants with respect to the US University deadlines.
Do my chances of an admit or reject depend on when I have submitted the application?
Absolutely not. If your application is completed within the deadline and if your profile matches the requirements of the University, you will get an admit irrespective of whether you have submitted the application early or late. Although every University has limited number of seats, your admission decision will not be affected by the timing of your application submission.
What is the difference between the deadlines with aid and without aid?
Most Universities specify a separate deadline for applicants who wish to receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, assistantships, etc. Hence, make sure your application is submitted before this deadline if you wish to be considered for financial aid from that particular University. But submitting your application after this deadline will not affect your admission decision in any way.
Should the recommendation letters be submitted before I submit the application?
During the application process, your job is simply to specify the email addresses of your professors and/or employers who are recommending you. Once that is done, you need not wait for your recommendation letter to be submitted by them. You can complete your application to the University. Your University will notify you by email when your recommendation letter is received.
What if recommendation letters reach after the deadline?
Universities require all supporting documents to be reached before the stated deadline. But, they still consider your application if a few supporting documents reach after the deadline. Reco letters completion and submission is dependent on your Professors and they might be very busy and hence, consideration is given even if your recommendation letters are not submitted before deadlines. But you need to make sure your application is submitted and application fee is paid before the deadline.
Should the GRE and TOEFL scores be submitted before I submit the application?
ETS sends the GRE and TOEFL scores directly to the Universities. You can complete and submit your application till your scores are received and updated by the application processing committee of the University. You need not wait for the scores to be received by the University.
What if GRE and TOEFL scores reach after the deadline?
Universities require all supporting documents to be reached before the stated deadline. But, they still consider your application if a few supporting documents reach after the deadline. GRE and TOEFL scores submission is dependent on ETS and the courier service,and hence consideration is given even if your scores do not reach before deadlines. But you need to make sure your application is submitted and application fee is paid before the deadline.
What if my transcripts do not reach the University before deadline?
Most Universities have now started accepting unofficial online transcript pdfs. But for those requiring you to courier them the official transcripts, they will still consider your application if transcripts reach after the deadline. But you need to make sure your application is submitted and application fee is paid before the deadline.
Application deadlines for FALL 2013 with and without aid: FALL 2013 US University deadlines
