I submitted my online application on 11/30 but the university didn't receive everything until about two weeks before the due date, which was on 2/1. I only applied to one school (my top choice) and was accepted.
I had a similar dream last night. I dreamed I got a letter from Dream School which was deceptively thin. I held it up to a light to see if I could make out any words. I opened it to find an acceptance AND a $20,000 scholarship. Then I woke up and checked the application site for the school. Sigh.