Applying Early

[FieldsMedalist]

I sometimes hear that it's better to apply early before the deadline. Does it really make a difference if we applied early?

[math.magician]

that's ridiculous

no, unless the school mentions on their website applications are considered on a rolling basis

[Scathrules]

To also add on, I checked past years results (DO NOT DO THIS, it destroys your mental health lol) and I would say that the majority of people submitted their applications on the day it was due. FWIW, you want to squeeze out every positive thing in your life that can added to your application (publications, better rec letters, As in courses, etc.) so it's not a bad idea to submit apps like a couple days before it's due.

[elegant.cat]

I've heard from my professor that they do glance at the applications to see if there are any students they want as they are submitted, but they don't make any decisions until after the deadline.