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Getting In · Education

Brian Mitchell’s Admissions Advice: The Application Myth Parents Should Ignore

By U.S. News Staff · Aug 28, 2025

Brian Mitchell—Vice President at U.S. News & World Report and founder of CollegeAdvisor.com—has guided over 10,000 families through the U.S. admissions process. From his experience, one of the most persistent myths is that submitting applications well before the deadline improves chances. That belief, he stresses, is false.

Application Timing: “Earlier Is Better” Is a Myth

According to Mitchell, admissions officers treat all applications equally as long as they are submitted before the deadline. Submitting three weeks early or one day early makes no difference.

Best Practice: Submit 2–3 days before the deadline. This reduces technical risks and allows time for last-minute updates or corrections.

• Proofread carefully to catch spelling or factual errors.
• Add new awards or achievements if they appear late.
• Step away for a couple of days, then review with fresh eyes.

Exception: For rolling admissions schools, earlier is better. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and seats close once filled.

For Parents of Juniors

Instead of criticizing or taking control, parents should act as guides while allowing students to own their process.

1. Be a companion: Join campus visits, whether virtual or in person.
2. Encourage questions: Let your child speak directly to admissions counselors.
3. Spot the spark: Notice what excites your child and connect it to activities or academic interests.

For Parents of Seniors: Focus on Balance and Time Management

Seniors juggle coursework, extracurriculars, and applications. Parents can help establish rhythm and reduce stress.

• Check in on well-being: Ask about stress, not just grades.
• Introduce the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes focused work plus 5 minutes rest helps build concentration.
• Block time on calendars: Reserve hours for essays, projects, and downtime.

Key Takeaway: Quality Wins Over Speed

The admissions race isn’t about being first—it’s about being prepared and polished. For parents, the key lessons are:

• Support, don’t control.
• Encourage ownership of the process.
• Help your child submit a complete, strong application a few days before the deadline.

FAQ

Does submitting early mean earlier review?

No. Applications are typically reviewed in batches after deadlines. Early submission rarely speeds evaluation.

How can I identify rolling admissions schools?

Check the admissions webpage. If it says “Rolling Admissions,” expect no fixed deadline—just “priority dates” or “until seats are filled.”

How many times should essays be reviewed?

At least twice: once for story and voice, and once for grammar and format. Waiting 24–48 hours between reviews helps catch new mistakes.

Tags: colleges, college admissions, education

© 2025 U.S. News & World Report L.P.

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