Breaking Deadlines

[Achilleus]

Hello everyone,

I'm applying to PhD programs in Classics and all my deadlines are coming soon. Although I've got other materials ready, I have real difficulty getting my writing sample done before the deadlines. I wonder if I could submit my applications on-line first, and then within one week send the writing sample directly to the departments via UPS. Do you guys have any idea whether this would be practicable at all? Thanks!

[t_ruth]

most of the apps I've done require the writing sample to be done online, so I don't think it is going to work. I have heard there is some grace for transcripts.

[Minnesotan]

Normally you only get a grace period for things that are partially out of your control, such as xscripts and LoRs. It never hurts to ask, though -- a lot of deadlines are "postmarked by" dates, while others are for receipt of materials.

[Achilleus]

Thank you for your comments.

Princeton replies that supporting materials arriving no later that January 10th will be considered, but I'll have to submit the on-line application first.

[misterpat]

Hello everyone,

I'm applying to PhD programs in Classics and all my deadlines are coming soon. Although I've got other materials ready, I have real difficulty getting my writing sample done before the deadlines. I wonder if I could submit my applications on-line first, and then within one week send the writing sample directly to the departments via UPS. Do you guys have any idea whether this would be practicable at all? Thanks!

For fast delivery, I've been using the Postal Service (USPS). Their 2 day delivery is pretty cheap, $4.50 or so and then tracking. I would consider it a three day delivery to be conservative. Their overnight is like 16.50 though. It's supposed to be pretty reliable, but one of my packages got this round of apps. But a week is plenty of time in the postal world (though ideally you want to allow time for mistakes).

[Achilleus]

For fast delivery, I've been using the Postal Service (USPS). Their 2 day delivery is pretty cheap, $4.50 or so and then tracking. I would consider it a three day delivery to be conservative. Their overnight is like 16.50 though. It's supposed to be pretty reliable, but one of my packages got this round of apps. But a week is plenty of time in the postal world (though ideally you want to allow time for mistakes).

Thanks for your information, misterpat! The 2 day delivery seems just fine. --I have to hurry up anyway.