COLLEGE SUBMISSION MYTHS — AND HOW THEY CAN HURT YOU

We’ve all seen it. A parent reads a Reddit thread or a Facebook post about college admissions and suddenly becomes an expert on how and when their child should submit their college application. Panic sets in, and they come to you demanding something be turned in immediately, convinced that, if it’s not, their child’s chances of getting into college will vanish.

As someone who regularly hears from parents and school counselors, I’m constantly asked about myths surrounding college applications. One of the most persistent — and potentially harmful myths is this:

“You must submit your application on the day it opens or you’ll hurt your chances of getting in.”

Let’s set the record straight.

Why Do Colleges Urge Early Submissions?

It’s true that many colleges encourage students to apply as early as possible after applications open, usually on August 1st. But this advice is often misunderstood.

Yes, colleges want applications early. But not necessarily because it boosts your admissions chances. Instead, early application numbers serve other purposes:

• Marketing & Projections: Colleges use early application data to assess whether they’re on track with their recruitment goals for the year. Strong early numbers suggest strong overall interest.

• Workload Management: Schools that receive tens of thousands of applications (some over 70,000) need to manage that volume. Encouraging early applications helps admissions teams avoid being overwhelmed in the final days before deadlines.

  
  

The key takeaway: The day you submit doesn’t determine your chances — the quality of what you submit does.

How to Find the Right Balance: Early vs. Rushed

So, how can students and parents find the right balance between submitting early and submitting a strong application?

The answer: Preparation before August 1.

Students who begin working on their application components early — such as:

• Brainstorming and writing essays (like the Common App personal statement)

• Gathering recommendation letters

• Preparing for ACT or SAT exams

• Finalizing senior year course selections

  
  

...are far better positioned to submit quality applications during the ideal window: between August 1 and mid-September.

This time frame allows students to:

• Avoid last-minute stress

• Review and refine their application multiple times

• Submit early enough to demonstrate interest without compromising quality

  
  

Rushing to submit on August 1 — or procrastinating until the final deadline — both carry risks. Mistakes, typos, and weak essays often result from either extreme.

A Final Word on "Complete" vs. "Submitted"

One more point of confusion: many colleges send emails saying your application is "not complete" even after you’ve submitted it. That’s normal. Look for our upcoming blog to learn more.

There’s a difference between a submitted application and a completed application.

• Submitted = the student has turned in their part.

• Completed = all materials (including transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters) have been received.

  
  

It’s perfectly fine to submit your application before those supporting documents arrive. Your application will still be processed once everything is in — and colleges understand that some pieces come in later.

Final Thoughts

This is an exciting — and often stressful — time for students, parents, and school counselors. It’s easy to get swept up in anxiety fueled by online forums or second-hand experiences. But remember:

• Every student’s journey is different

• There is no one-size-fits-all strategy

• Quality > Speed

  
  

The best approach is thoughtful, well-paced preparation and submission. Help your student focus on presenting their best, most authentic self — not racing the clock or reacting to misinformation.

When in doubt, use common sense and trust professionals, not posts.