<p>At the same time, though, a student who is capable of getting everything done and in early but has a slightly weaker GPA, ECs, etc. may have a stronger work ethic and be more likely to succeed in the real world.
AJ, that comment sounds pretty snobby. The best students have a good work ethic. Superior IQs (and their related test scores) and dazzling GPAs and ECs may hide deeper problems (e.g., the person wrapper him or herself up in school and ECs to avoid home/family life or even close friendships, which both correlate with lower collegiate success). Someone taking extra long to get an application in may be a warning sign. I would argue that a good student ought to be able to work within the boundaries of the process and get rolling admissions applications in first!</p>