Question on priority deadlines and applications

[ucdude]

If the majority of deadlines for priority decisions are due Dec 15, and I submitted the application say on the 1st, will my application still be priority if my transcripts and Letter of Rec's didnt arrive until say like December 22nd or so, or even later?

 

Because if thats true I feel like I just wasted a lot of time and effort getting them in early, all for naught. 

[agrizz]

I've gone to a couple grad school fairs and in speaking to professors, staff, and adcom members across an array of programs have found that the vast majority expect there to be delays, particularly with regard to LOR.  I've even heard a few state outright that the deadline is for your application only, but they do encourage the accompanying info to be received within a few weeks.  That said, some higher-tiered programs consider the date a firm cutoff and will discard any apps that do not have all accompanying documents. 

 

Two of my seven apps were lacking one item, GRE scores in one case (deadline 12/1) and LOR in the other (1/15).  I've already been invited to interview for the 12/1 deadline despite having been told that 12/1 was firm.  

[Guest]

From what I know, some schools do not even start reviewing application on the exact deadline. Maybe like 10-15 days past the deadline.

 

My deadline for one program was January 15.  I received an email on January 18th that the program will review my application within 10-15 business days. Like you, my transcript has not arrived on time. It's still not there. So, I am praying that the transcript gets placed into my file before those 10-15 business days draw on closer.

Edited January 23, 2015 by Guest