Do programs generally accept/reject before deadline?

[lsgchas]

I recently submitted my grad school application about 6 weeks before the posted deadline. I'm just curious whether I should even bother checking my application status until after the deadline has passed. Do schools make decisions as the applications come in, even if they are relatively early?

[obrera]

In my experience, it usually takes a month to several months after the deadlines for them to make decisions, unless they REALLY want you/don't want you. For Fall apps, you should be hearing within two months, but I'm not sure for Spring.

[Usmivka]

You may hear early (by a few weeks, not more) if you are a very desirable candidate. You will probably not hear until well after all the admits if you are rejected. Regardless, unless specifically told that there is rolling admission, you won't know anything before the application deadline.

Edited September 10, 2012 by Usmivka

[anthropologygeek]

If it has rolling admissions yes you can hear before deadline, if not then no you won't.