What happens if an application is submitted after the deadline?

Submitting an application after the established deadline typically results in the application being treated as a new application. This means that the application will not be considered for the current cycle and will need to go through the entire application process again when it is submitted as new. This approach ensures that all applicants are held to the same timeline, maintaining fairness and order in the review process.

In contrast, the other options suggest different outcomes that do not align with standard practices. An automatic acceptance of late applications would undermine the importance of deadlines. Returning the application to the applicant may occur in some contexts, but it does not typically encompass the formal procedure for late submissions. Allowing an appeal may seem reasonable, but deadlines are often set strictly to promote timely processing and streamline decision-making. All in all, treating the late submission as a new application reinforces the integrity of the application process.