Apps Submitted Slightly Late

[AllThingsBrain]

I searched and couldn't find this topic anywhere--hard to believe it hasn't been asked before!

I got a big batch of applications in on 12/1, but a couple of things took more time than expected at the last minute, and two of the applications wound up going in slightly after the deadline. At least I think they did--neither school specified a time of day for the 12/1 deadline, so I assumed 11:59PM local to the schools (both West Coast), and they went in at around 12:05AM and then 12:30.

Are the schools likely to let that slide? I'm tempted to call and ask, but I think that would only serve to alert them to something they maybe (somehow?) didn't notice, so I'm asking here. I checked my application one school's site and saw the submission just listed the date (a day late) with no timestamp, so that doesn't seem promising. Part of me thinks it should be okay since they can only start looking at things Monday morning, except by that logic, people would have all weekend.

Just be honest, please.

[TakeruK]

In your case, because the system did accept and process it, I don't think there is anything you can do at this point. If the system refused to let you submit after the deadline and you had a compelling reason to be a little late, emailing them would help you get an extension perhaps.

But since the system did process it, the school will receive it. I think what they decide to do with it is beyond your control now and so there's nothing you can do.

My guess is that this won't matter at all. Maybe Monday is the earliest they will start processing applications for the departments to evaluate. Might even be later though. 

Hopefully you will be fine!

[Sigaba]

10 hours ago, AllThingsBrain said:

Just be honest, please.

In the here and now

• If either of the two schools in California are public institutions, I would expect that the applications will be marked as received late and not processed.
  • Public institutions may be restricted by law and by policy what can be done with late applications.
• If either of the two schools are private institutions, you might consider making a phone call or two and asking when the materials were received.
  • If the conversation turns to why they were late, I very strongly recommend that you avoid saying anything along the lines of "Will you let me slide?" or going into the nuts and bolts of what happened.
    • Reasons are not excuses.
    • Other applicants followed the instructions and submitted their materials with time to spare. By asking for a "pass" you are implying that their something about you that warrants a different set of rules.
  • Instead, have a conversation in which you take responsibility for your choices ("I understand that I failed to submit my application materials on time..."), pivot (use "and", not "but"), and ask how the department typically handles similar situations. ("...and I am calling to ask how...")
    • If you're asked questions, answer them exactly, avoid the temptation to make excuses.
    • Regardless of the answer you receive, respond professionally, say thank you, wish the person a joyous holiday season (and mean it), and ring off.
• Don't turn this experience into an exercise in self-flagellation. 
  • There'll be many better opportunities to beat yourself up next fall when you're in a program.

In the future

• Assume that tech gremlins will always conspire to lay waste to your plans.
• Budget more time to the submission process so that you can develop a plan B if things go off the rails.