<p>A deadline is a deadline- absolutely no reason to favor/penalize those who meet it by any margin. Some gifted kids are perfectionists and procrastinate because of fear of not doing the best. As long as the deadline is met all applications should receive the same consideration. Drives parents crazy but as long as it is in in time it works. </p>
<p>Ambivalence may also play a roll. Several years ago a certain kid got his application in to Stanford by the midnight deadline- California time. Aargh. He preferred other schools.</p>