I'm thinking about submitting my regular decision applications a bit earlier than the deadline. Does that impact my chances at all, and can it show the colleges I'm extra interested? How do colleges view receiving applications early?
Sure, you can definitely submit your regular decision applications earlier than the actual deadline. This can give you more peace of mind, providing you the opportunity to focus on other things such as your coursework, extracurriculars, or even your life outside school.
However, submitting early for regular decision typically doesn't impact your chances of admission, nor does it indicate a higher level of interest to colleges. Unlike the early decision or early action rounds, regular decision does not weigh demonstrated interest quite the same way. Applications submitted for regular decision are usually reviewed after the deadline, so as long as your application is submitted on time, you should be in good shape.
The key thing to keep in mind is to ensure your application is the best representation of yourself, whether you submit it weeks early or right on the deadline. Take the time you need to double-check everything: your essays, activities list, and other components. It's better to take an extra day or two to review your application carefully than to rush to submit it early without thorough checks.
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