<p>I just returned to school this week and I have been talking to a lot of people about college - where people applied, where they want to go, etc. </p>
<p>I talked to one of my buddies and he told me pretty nonchalantly that he hasn’t even applied anywhere yet! This is a pretty smart kid, granted by no means a genius, but college-bound nonetheless. He seemed to imply that he was applying to schools with later application dates, and he even mentioned that many colleges were lenient when it came to application deadlines. I found this idea pretty ridiculous and I’m a little concerned.</p>
<p>Also, someone on here mentioned how they knew someone in Dartmouth admissions who said that as an unspoken rule they even accept applications submitted as late as the end of January. </p>
<p>Hearing both of these, it really makes me wonder how lenient admission offices can be. Do things like this really happen? I figured that a late application wouldn’t even be accepted without some sort of explanation. Is this the case?</p>
<p>Kid, this is a dumb question. Apply by the deadline and you have no problems. A school like Dartmouth isn’t going to be waiting till these “late” apps come in to make decisions.</p>
<p>I’ve already finished my applications, spare one or two due in the next 2 weeks. I was really surprised by such a response as well. I was even a little mad at the idea of such a thing, especially considering I worked really hard to make sure I had everything completed in time.</p>
<p>Many colleges and university have rolling admissions, so if that is what your pal means by leniency, he is correct fir those places.</p>
<p>Whether if not Dartmouth would make an exception for a truly special applicant is Dartmouth’s business. But that is certainly not an option that anyone should count on.</p>
<p>jabrown - If you’re going to get upset every time someone gets undeserved special treatment, you’re going to spend a lot of your life upset. It happens. Sometimes the special treatment is deserved (but for reasons you’re not privy to), and sometimes it really is undeserved. But worrying about what someone else gets will only make you miserable.</p>
<p>Who knows what decisions you or your cavalier friend will get in April. But wherever you end up next year, you have the potential to be successful. Focus on that . . . and you’ll do just fine.</p>
<p>Back in the 80’s I met a deadline by submitting my application via FedEx . It was a new service and big deal back then & quite expensive for me. I was accepted. Get noticed for the right reasons.</p>
<p>Yes, they’ll probably take the money and count the application. Why are they going to turn down $75 and another completed application that they can reject and add to their selectivity with? If you know of somebody who has proof they submitted their application in late and received admissions, that’s another story. But admissions is a business, and if they can take a sucker’s money, I have every bet that they will.</p>
<p>Dodgersmom, that is really great advice, thank you. It’s been a really hectic time and I’ve been a little anxious about my college application decisions. Some second-guessing does occur on my part, but once I take a step back I realize I’ve done a fine job with my college apps and that there is no need to worry. </p>
<p>NJ, that’s a pretty neat anecdote. Just curious, did you end up attending thy college?</p>
<p>Purpleacorn, that is exactly what I figured. I was contemplating possibly sending in a late app, but as I mentioned above, I am happy with my choices. No need to unnecessarily spend all that money.</p>