For MA programs, is there a clear advantage to applying early?

[polemicist]

Also, what would "early" mean for MA admissions? Tufts just opened up their application for 2021, with a deadline of January 15th. Is it wise to submit as early as possible? 

[cartesian_schnitzel]

I think certain ma programs have rolling admissions where applying early might be advantageous. E.g. GSU might be like this.

I know for UWM however that they don't even start looking at applications until like two months after the deadline (source: I was told this by a prof at UWM). So for UWM at least there is no advantage in applying early.

[Glasperlenspieler]

Even schools with rolling admissions have a priority or initial deadline, and as long as you have your application in by then, it shouldn't make a difference.

I think it's usually good to submit a couple days before the deadline in case unexpected problems arise, but nobody will be looking at your application until after the deadline.

[you'll_never_get_to_heaven]

In my recent experience, you absolutely should do so for the CSU schools. The deadlines for non-resident tuition waivers may be months prior to the official deadline and I was admitted to my school long before the admissions deadline.