Application Deadline: Feb 1

[x_buggin_out_x]

Does that mean the applicant can submit the application anytime on Feb.1?  Or does that mean it has to be in the office by Feb.1 when the office staff gets there in the morning, or in other words, Jan.31?

I'm having a big debate about this here and would like your answers to end the dispute. Thanks in advance.

Comments

[plastilin_mira]

I have little experience but I met that 1 Febr supposes by the end of the day, so that anytime on Feb.1
One of my school mentioned that their deadline 18 January is at 5 am. So that I think if nothing especial is said it would be by 11:59 pm

[historychick49]

Except nobody's in the office after 5 p.m. or so, so I'd say that close of business is the deadline (unless otherwise specified, of course), instead of 11:59 p.m.

[roseofjuly]

Usually it's the other way around. When they say the deadline is a specific date it means 11:59 pm, particularly if the program has an online application because the system will just stop accepting new applications after that time. There's no human checking to make sure your application is there yet, and they probably won't even get around to looking at it until at least a week after you submit it anyway.

[historychick49]

Good point; I was still thinking about paper apps, for some reason.

[hkitsune]

I think you could save yourself the trouble any just turn it in early, because procrastinating can only hurt you, while turning it in early is just an inconvenience, but that's just me.

[tisiphone]

I agree. Spend the time you are spending headscratching over whether February 1 means start of business or close of business on the application instead, and it'll be there for January 31.

[pondelniholka]

Give yourself a false deadline - all your essays and stuff must be done a week before the due date and why not even tell your references that too? (Damn, wish I thought of that part earlier...)

I just spent $50 on express mail for my last PhD admission, fellowship and scholarship apps, but knowing they'll get there 5 days before the deadline is worth the money for the peace of mind.

[ode_to_noone]

All schools are different. NYU has a 5 p.m. on the due date deadline. BU wants my app by February 1 and no later. Some schools want things postmarked by a certain date. Email or call.

[fullofpink]

Most programs will put "Postmarked by...." if they don't mind it arriving late.