Application deadlines

When applying for an internship or a school, if a deadline is something like November 2, what exactly does that mean (if not specified)? Does the envelope need to be postmarked November 2, or does the place need to have the application in hand on November 2? Is it OK to overnight something, or does that look bad, like you waited until the last minute?

The deadline is usually the last date the application will be accepted. Best bet is to call the place and have them clarify it.

The deadline is usually the date by which they expect to have the application in hand in order to consider it.

However… many schools are quite lax about their deadlines. I don’t wish to promote laziness or procrastination, but if you are a bit late, definitely send it in anyway. I was accepted to one school even though I didn’t start filling out the online application until three days after the deadline (I had stupidly written the wrong date down in my timeline when I was organizing things earlier, and didn’t realize my mistake until then). Later, talking to several people at different schools, I learned that what’s really important is that the application is there by the time that whichever administration aide is in charge of such things organizes them to be reviewed. That might happen the day after the dealine, or it might happen a week or two later, so, even if you’re late, send it in.

And, I assure you, the people making the decision are not going to see the kind of shipping you used. If there is any danger of being late, express it!