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I will have four courses to complete by the time admissions open up next year; they will be completed by the end of next October. I plan to apply at NYU, Stanford, Harvard, and Columbia.

1. Would it be more advantageous to apply early (the first day of the cycle--which for some of my target schools is in September) as an undergrad or to apply near the end of October/start of November with my degree completed?

2. All else equal, will applying on the first day admissions open up give an applicant an advantage over someone who applies a month or so later, assuming the cycle lasts from September to January? When in the cycle do applications submitted at that time or later impair someone's chances compared to an otherwise equal applicant who applied earlier?

I am still a 0L, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

What is your GPA like? Will the grades from the courses change anything? If not, I would recommend applying earlier in the cycle. I don't think that submitting on the opening day will give you a profound advantage over a month. That being said, I wouldn't compromise the strength of my application in favor of getting my application in early. It's better to present a strong case than be super early.

Good luck with your cycle!

d[-.-]b

Earlier is better. However, at the edges (very, very early vs. very early), the boost is much less.

But, honestly, just get your apps in ASAP and relax.