Timing Your Application for International Students: November vs. December

Every school in the U.S. has application deadlines. During an application period, applications are gathered online along with required documents and held until the deadline has passed. At that point, completed applications are advanced to the platform for consideration. The process is not related to financial aid. Financial assistance is considered by another area of the university,

Early Deadline Benefits: November vs. December

If you apply in November, "early decision" or "early action" deadlines are typically November 1. Early decision (ED) is binding, as you can only apply to one school, while early action (EA) lets you apply to multiple schools. Studies have shown that your chances of admission are roughly double when applying early decision or early action.

However, it's important to note that the application must be extremely strong. That usually means having strong support from recommenders, having a compelling holistic profile, and strong extracurriculars. Applying early can be advantageous if:

Your academic and extracurricular numbers are above the 75th percentile of admitted students. Your present profile aligns with the holistic review criteria of top-tier colleges. You are confident that this college is the best fit for you and you are committed to joining upon admission.

However, the downside of this approach is that you won't be able to evaluate different financial aid options from other colleges. Increasingly, a larger percentage of class sizes are filled through the early application cycle, making it a strategic option for many students.

Data and Trends: Princeton as an Example

Consider the example of Princeton University, which tends to accept more applicants from the early cycle. According to their admission statistics, as of July 23, 2019:

Total Applicants: 32,804 Total Admits: 1,896 Total Enrolled: 1,343 Percentage Admitted: 5.8% Percentage Enrolled: 4.09%

This data shows that completing your application in November, rather than December, can significantly increase your chances of getting in, especially if you are a strong candidate.

Strategic Approach: Timing vs. Quality

While early application cycles can offer advantages, it's crucial to focus on the quality of your application. Simply submitting your application earlier without substantial preparation is not a good strategy. Each application should be extraordinary, especially if you're applying to top-tier universities. Applying earlier does not guarantee acceptance; it merely provides an opportunity to compete on an earlier deadline.

Therefore, if you are an international student with financial aid needs, consider carefully whether applying in November aligns with your goals and preparedness. Balancing the timing and quality of your application is key to maximizing your chances of success.