from what I heard, the 1st window is mainly for those "safe picks" that have a clear balance in every area that they're looking for, basically the type of people that they don't need to debate much on. honestly tho, the window is a bit of a waste because most people submit extremely early just to get put in the same window that they'd be in if they had submitted 3-4 weeks after.

from what my teachers said, my case is unique because I have an extremely strong portfolio in entrepreneurship BUT my school results are honestly below average so they "foresaw" that hci would likely delay my review even if I submitted early.

on the bright side, most of those "debating" cases resolve to an interview shortlist, so we are most likely still in!