Sorry if this has been covered…I was unsuccessful searching for the topic. My question: Is there such a thing as applying too early to a school? My daughter has gotten in several apps (Early Action) to schools so far, well ahead of deadlines. Is this similar to applying ED to some schools, showing them that your interest is very high in their school (even though this may not necessarily be the case)? I’m wondering if this, in some cases, could affect potential merit aid. Is it better to wait until closer to the deadline? Just wondering…
Some schools do offer aid to the early applicants. Smart decision.
Apply by the EA/ED deadline is critical for merit aids at many schools. Applying far earlier than deadline would not gain you anything extra. Nevertheless, I would suggest to submit the application at least 2 weeks before deadline. This may give you some time to track the missing items for the application and take necessary actions before the real deadline.
Thanks for the replies. I must have worded my question poorly. My question was really more along the lines of: Is my daughter applying too early when merit is the goal? Instead of applying 6 weeks before the EA deadline, should she wait a little longer? Any benefit to waiting until closer to the EA deadline?
OK, I can tell I’m over-analyzing when I’m struggling to express my thoughts. 
The only way it would be too early would be if the school had not opened the application process for the coming year. :))
As long as she’s spent the time to develop well-crafted applications, there’s no reason to wait. In fact you should treat her for getting them done before the craziness that is senior year…
It may help with demonstrated interest at some schools. But the biggest benefit will be in having the application process behind you. Although the hardest part about chasing merit is waiting for the final offers to come in. If she’s looking at competitive awards, it can be a while after acceptance decisions before those are announced (depending on the school). For some schools you’ll get an initial merit offer, but there may be additional possible money dependent on applying or visiting or interviewing after acceptances come out.
Similar question – are you more likely to get merit aid RD than ED?
@HellaWong No, you are much more likely to get merit aid from the school if applying ED or EA.
I get that with EA, but what incentive does a college have to give you merit aid if you go binding ED? They know you’re coming even without the merit aid.
^^None.
Hmmm, my impression has always been that merit aid is almost non-existent for ED applicants. @MYOS1634 will know.
On the other hand, students absolutely get money if offered a place EA. Not all, of course, just the students a colleges really wants.
When my D applied to college several years ago, she always found something to correct/change on her essays. I would rather spent the extra time to perfect the essay then submitting it way early for no reason.
@billcsho I think that’s a great point. I think our problem is that she is applying to so many (>10) schools, that she only has so much time with each, and once it’s done… it’s submitted so she doesn’t have to think about it. But, you are right, she has already questioned one of her essays that was submitted several days ago. Too late! I worry about that exact thing. That could affect merit, but not for the sole reason of being reeeeeeaaaallllyyyy early during the application cycle.
@NerdMom88, ED students are generally LESS likely to get merit. ED students are committed to attend – they don’t need to sweeten the offer to get a desirable applicant to actually attend. EA certainly makes the applicant look organized and like the school is in their initial list (vs. a last minute addition). OP, your kid is fine, applying very early will not hurt her chances for merit. And some schools have early deadlines for applicants who want merit (and some don’t).
Yep, my bad. I was going to go back and correct myself, but I lost the thread!
There is no such thing as a perfect essay. A good writer will always find ways to improve a piece of writing after each read. At some point, you have to say, “It’s high quality. I’m happy with it.” and move on.
@cruisecontrol D is also applying to >10 schools, with seperate honors college and scholarship applications for many of them. She’ll be done submitting everything by the end of the month. Better early than later, as inevitably, you’ll need to track down a piece of at least one application.