A quick question about deadline extensions I'm applying for several summer schools, workshops, and travel funds. I've also applied for a few fellowships. Almost all of these have extended their deadlines for application submission and/or supporting material submission. I've completed (or plan to complete) all of the applications before the original deadlines.

My questions are:


What are the typical reasons that deadlines are extended? 
Do you think it'll increase my chances for admittance since I submitted my application before the original deadlines?
Possible reasons for extensions:


Not enough applications have been received
The applications/applicants are not up to he expected standard (Almost the previous point in th esense that more applications is hoped to raise the standard)
Something has happened in the bureaucracy that means an extension is necessary


Sending in an application to meet a deadline is always necessary and being early may set your application apart from the others but there is no guarantee. Having an impeccable application is a better bet on getting noticed than sending it in early. By impeccable, I mean well written, clear and concise, including all the necessary materials in neat order. But early is certainly not a negative but may not really show to the persons responsible for evaluating the applications.