ReverseSplitterBigHitter '22–'23 app cycle Class of 2026 class year

The best time to apply is January/February if you have good stats. Circumstances forced me to apply in March - weeks after deadlines for most schools.

I fared well enough, in some cases receiving acceptances and waitlists before people who applied in October! That being said, I know my chances at T-14 schools would have been much better had I applied earlier.

I advise against applying early decision - don’t give up your chance to be wooed by admissions officers with great scholarship offers. You can tell them later that they are your first choice, using that info as a negotiation tactic to up your scholarship offer.

Write a great personal essay and submit “Why X?” essays for ALL schools, even if they don’t request them.

Lastly - I cannot stress this enough - fill in the dates on your data table on this website accurately and in a timely manner - it ceases to be helpful if information is absent, incorrect, or added after the fact.

Have fun and good luck!