startz Posted January 25, 2017 Share Posted January 25, 2017 Now that the application season is (mostly) over, I have a question for Urch-ites: Did the application deadlines of different PhD programs have any effect on where you decided to apply? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chateauheart Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 In my case (a few years ago), yes. I expected to receive my fall semester grades in mid Dec. So I ignored a few programs with Dec 1-14 deadlines so I can maintain some flexibility on calibrating my range after knowing my grades. Of course, if most people follow my strategy, then it might actually be better to apply to early-deadline programs for the lack of competition, but my understanding of game theory wasn't very good as an undergrad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EasternLance Posted January 31, 2017 Share Posted January 31, 2017 The application deadlines made an immense difference for me. In my case, and probably many other 4th year seniors, it was imperative to have my fall semester grades in so that I could make my application more appealing. Additionally, having a deadline after the winter break provides applicants the opportunity to study 2-3 weeks for the GRE (Which is a godsend for applicants who did research over the summer and took a rigorous course load in the fall). So given the above, I only applied to schools with a Jan 15 deadline. Honestly though, I find it strange that more grad programs don't require applicants to submit their application when their spring semester grades are in. Logically speaking, wouldn't the Adcom lessen the degree of asymmetric Information if this were the case? Or perhaps my question is naive and I'm failing to account for the intricacies present in the application process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YaSvoboden Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 I'm in accounting, but I think this is relevant. Our program moved it's date from 12/1 to 1/15 and we have a record number of applicants. It went up by about 20% and based on how many we are planning on flying out, it sounds like the average quality was at least maintained. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
startz Posted February 1, 2017 Author Share Posted February 1, 2017 Everyone, this is very helpful. I'm especially interested in Dec. 1 versus a week or two later, but please keep all the comments coming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjyNel Posted February 1, 2017 Share Posted February 1, 2017 Some professors were overwhelmed by the number of letters they were urged to sumbit and would not submit all of them until mid or late December. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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