#13: Decipher the meaning of deadlines; plan accordingly

While some programs wait to review any applications until after the deadline (Berkeley wouldn’t even confirm receipt of my application until after the deadline passed), many start making decisions as the apps come in. Stony Brook, for example, says on their website that if you have stellar grades or other accoutrements, you should complete your application in early fall so that they can reserve the best scholarships for you! I failed to see this message until several days before their official deadline (but they also gave me a full fellowship; go figure!). For this reason, again, you must read carefully all the literature they make available.