I know that many students cannot really take parents’ warnings about the need to finish applications earlier than deadlines seriously. You think, “Come on, finishing the applications in the beginning of December when there is no real negative consequence if I don’t, Ha!”

So I thought that I would represent this blog entry a bit more visually for you so you can imagine what is happening in a typical admissions office.

Beginning of December: Though still full from Thanksgiving food, the admissions offices are functioning well and busy finishing off their Early Applications and sorting all of the material that they get from proactive students that have sent in their applications well ahead of time. They are happy at this time, thinking of a nice weeklong break, family togetherness, maybe a trip to warmer weather. Each application they receive is met with a smile, not unlike an early Christmas present. It is a happy place, and your application is treated like a guest in the hallowed halls of university-dom.

The busy but happy Admissions Office (Source: Google Images)

Interestingly, from December 10^th to the 22^nd is probably the least busy time in the whole year. All the admissions travel is done, the Early Decision/Action letters have been sent, and the next set of deadlines are not until end of December. There is a nice break coming up, so everyone is in a good mood. What better time for your application to be received and filed away as “Complete”?

Around December 22^nd: Sneaky admissions people have snuck out early for Christmas either cashing in on those holiday hours they collected while traveling like mad women/men in foreign countries. The remaining few are still happy because life around the office without too many of their “bosses” is fun. The days are filled with Facebook and filing applications that come in during this period. Many of those will come from disappointed Early Applications that unfortunately received bad news on the 15^th of December, but were smart enough to prepare for this and were able to just hit the submit button on their other applications and send them all out easily on the 16^th of December. Things are still organized and the mood is one of anticipation of the favorite holiday of the year!

The slightly more empty, but still happy, Admissions Office (Source: Google Images)