For many students applying for college, Wednesday (November 1) is an important date. Colleges use this date to make the deadline for the priority application, and some even for regular admission.

“A lot of students apply for early action because you find out a lot sooner if you get in,” college and career counselor Brittney Portnoy said. “Some kids want to know in advance so they aren’t stressing.”

While applying early is not supposed to increase your chances of getting into college, some believe that it may in fact help.

“It doesn’t really help your chances of getting in,” counselor Staci Stokes said. “But if you apply earlier they see your application faster and since there is a max number of freshman to get accepted, you may have a better chance.”

However, the priority deadline can increase stress in students as they rush to get everything submitted.

“If you don’t have all of your stuff ready to go and you’re rushing, then you may not do as well,” Portnoy said. “So don’t rush and take your time so you are ready and can have a better chance of getting in.”