I know that Columbia's regular decision is rolling, and that at a lot of schools see a huge flood of applications on their last day (Example: Wharton just sent an email saying 60% of round 2 applications came in on the last day).

Given the above, and based on history, is it safe to say that a huge number of people will apply to Columbia on Jan 9th (since it's their scholarship deadline) and that it is a significant advantage to apply just before (say, the 8th) rather than late in the day on the 9th? Or is it too minor a thing to think about?

Nitpicky question I know, but if this threshold effect exists, it has real implications for someone trying to judge how much to "touch up" their app in the final days.

Thanks in advance.

Good question. I have a related one. I was planning to forgo my tiny scholarship chances so I could put together a "great" columbia application next week (like the 12th or 13th). Now thanks to the question above, I'm wondering if I should scramble to get it done for the 9th just because of this possible numbers game. Thoughts?

Apply when you're ready. Don't let scholarship deadlines dictate when you should apply if you can't put in a strong application before that scholarship deadline date.

As for the 8th vs. 9th, it makes zero difference. Rather than worry about the machinations of the admissions process, worry about your application. Just submit your best application as soon as you can.

Alex Chu
alex@mbaapply.com
www.mbaapply.com
http://mbaapply.blogspot.com