Application submission timing: "I made the deadline by two days, but I was rejected. Why?"

I often hear this complaint from new advisees. In a last-minute frenzy to move towards law school, they submit applications just before the schools' official deadlines. Almost always, such applications fail. Unless you are bringing stellar numbers and experience to a school, and unless it really still has admission slots open, the last-minute application says, "This is a hasty, ill-considered effort from someone who just doesn't have his or her act together." Don't associate yourself with such negative mental images. Your goal should be a brilliant, perfectly complete application, submitted as early in the cycle as possible. Then you are perceived as on the ball, focused, organized, and effective. For more information about my recommendations, see my website PrelawAdvisor.com