Every fall, I see the same nervous-system pressure play out: parents urging their kids to submit college applications weeks — even months — before the actual deadline. The logic is understandable: “If we get it in early, surely it looks better. Surely it improves the odds.”

But here’s the truth: for Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision schools, an application submitted the day the portal opens and one submitted at 11:59 PM on the deadline date are treated exactly the same.

The only exception? Rolling admissions. At those schools, earlier submissions can help because applications are reviewed as they come in, and spots may fill up. But for every other type of deadline, early is not better — strong is better.

Why Parents Feel the Pressure

This rush-to-submit mentality doesn’t come from admissions offices. It comes from our

own nervous systems. Parents feel the stress of this process intensely: it’s high stakes, expensive, and completely outside their control. Pressuring a student to submit early

provides a false sense of relief — as though “done” means “safe.”

The problem is, this urgency often backfires. Students either cut corners on their essays or buckle under the pressure of trying to meet an artificial deadline that benefits no one. The result? Weaker writing, less reflection, and more conflict at home.

What Actually Matters

Colleges don’t reward speed. They reward clarity, authenticity, and polish. A rushed essay that “just needs to get out the door” will not hold up against one that’s been thoughtfully revised and shaped over weeks of feedback.

Here’s what parents can do instead:

• Encourage quality over speed. Remind your child that the goal is the strongest possible application, not the earliest.

• Trust the process. If your child is working steadily with a mentor or counselor, they are on track — even if the application isn’t “submitted yet.”

• Save your energy for support. Cheerleading your student, making sure they have quiet space to write, and keeping family pressure low is far more valuable than hovering over submission dates.

The Bottom Line

Unless your student is applying to a rolling admissions school, there is zero advantage to submitting before the deadline. The best thing you can do for your child is let them use every available moment to refine their writing and present their best self.

So the next time you feel that urge to say, “Can’t you just get it over with?” — pause. Take a breath. Remember: this process isn’t about soothing our anxiety as parents. It’s about giving your child the time and space to shine.

💡 Pro tip: Want to know how to actually support your student through the admissions process? Focus on encouragement, not control. The essays and applications are their story to tell — and the most powerful thing you can do is trust them to tell it.

Ashley Sarah is the founder of Authentic Admissions, where writing a compelling essay is just the beginning. With a background in storytelling, systems thinking, and emotional intelligence, Ashley helps students navigate the entire college admissions process—from identifying core values and researching schools to managing timelines, applications, and executive functioning.

She works with just a handful of students each year to keep the process deeply personal and intentional.Would you like to be one of them?  Schedule a free consult or learn more at www.authenticadmissions.org  

Or reach out directly: ashley@authenticadmissions.org