In the competitive world of college admissions, job opportunities, and scholarship applications, timing can make all the difference. While meeting the final deadline is essential, submitting your application early can offer strategic advantages that go beyond simple punctuality. Whether you're applying for a university program, a grant, a scholarship, or even a job, early submission can enhance your chances of success and reduce stress.
This article outlines the key benefits of early application submission and provides actionable tips to help you prepare and submit your applications ahead of the deadline.
Why Submit Early?
Before diving into the practical tips, it's important to understand why early submission matters.
1. Competitive Edge
Early applicants often get reviewed while evaluators are still fresh and have more spots to fill. This can be particularly beneficial for rolling admissions or first-come, first-served opportunities.
2. Less Technical Risk
Submitting ahead of time helps you avoid last-minute technical issues like website crashes, slow internet, or problems uploading documents.
3. Time to Fix Mistakes
Submitting early gives you the chance to review your application for errors or omissions and make corrections if needed.
4. Demonstrates Responsibility
An early submission signals that you're organized, proactive, and genuinely interested in the opportunity.
Top Tips for Submitting Your Application Early
1. Start with a Timeline
Begin your application process by working backwards from the final deadline. Break the process into stages:
-
Research and document requirements
-
Draft and revise documents (resume, personal statement, essays)
-
Collect recommendations and transcripts
-
Final review and submission
Set internal deadlines for each task and aim to submit at least one to two weeks early.
2. Understand All Requirements Thoroughly
Carefully read all application guidelines before you start. Missing a single document or failing to follow format instructions could delay your submission or disqualify your application.
Make a checklist of:
-
Required documents
-
Formatting requirements (file type, word count, font size)
-
Deadlines for supporting materials (e.g., letters of recommendation)
-
Specific submission platforms or portals
3. Gather Documents in Advance
Transcripts, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores can take time to obtain. Contact your academic institutions, testing centers, or referees early—preferably a month in advance—to ensure timely delivery.
Tip: Let recommenders know your deadline is earlier than the actual one. This gives you a buffer in case of delays.
4. Draft and Edit Personal Statements Early
Your personal essay or statement is a crucial component of most applications. It takes time to refine your message, structure your content, and polish your writing. Don’t rush this part.
How to improve your draft:
-
Get feedback from mentors, advisors, or peers.
-
Use editing tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to refine your grammar and style.
-
Leave time between drafts to approach your writing with fresh eyes.
5. Avoid Perfection Paralysis
Waiting for a “perfect” version of your application often leads to unnecessary delays. While it’s important to be thorough, remember that perfection is a moving target.
Strive for clarity, completeness, and professionalism, rather than flawless prose or unattainable ideals.
Special Considerations by Application Type
College or University Applications
-
Many universities offer early action or early decision options. These can significantly increase your chances of admission if you're a strong candidate.
-
For regular admissions, submitting early shows seriousness and helps avoid last-minute stress, especially when portals get flooded near deadlines.
Scholarship Applications
-
Some scholarships have rolling deadlines, meaning the earlier you apply, the better your chances.
-
Early applicants may also receive priority for limited funds.
Job Applications
-
Applying early often means your resume will be one of the first reviewed.
-
Many positions close early when enough qualified applications are received.
Graduate School Programs
-
Early submissions may qualify for application fee waivers, interview priority, or early scholarship consideration.
-
Professors and admissions committees are usually less overwhelmed in the early part of the cycle, giving your application more attention.
Tools to Help You Stay on Track
1. Digital Planners and Apps
Use tools like Trello, Notion, or Google Calendar to set tasks and reminders.
2. Document Storage
Use cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox to organize your documents and access them from anywhere.
3. Application Portals
Familiarize yourself with application systems early (e.g., Common App, UCAS, LinkedIn Easy Apply). Set up your profile before filling in the actual application.
Final Checklist Before You Submit Early
Before you click "submit," double-check the following:
-
All required fields are filled in
-
Documents are uploaded correctly and named appropriately
-
Essay and statement are proofread and error-free
-
Recommenders have submitted their letters (or confirmed their submission timeline)
-
You’ve received a confirmation email or submission receipt
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even when planning to submit early, some common mistakes can derail your efforts:
-
Procrastination disguised as “planning”: Spending too much time researching can delay actual writing.
-
Ignoring timezone differences: If applying internationally, check whether the deadline is in your local time or the institution’s.
-
Overlooking tech requirements: Some systems don’t accept certain file types or have file size limits.
-
Forgetting to follow up: Ensure recommendation letters and test scores are received on time.