Time Stamp Randomization?????

What is meant by the term "time stamp randomization'?

I submitted my application to Gateway CC in January, and it says that my status is "waiting for time stamp randomization". Does that mean that my application is not given a time stamp on the date that I submitted it, and that there's a possiblity that the 300 people that submitted AFTER me may get an earilier stamp? Doesn't seem quite fair if you ask me, that could bump me back another whole semester on the wait list if that's the case.

The following is taken from page 6 of the 2008-2009 MCCD Nursing Program Application Packet found at http://nursing.maricopa.edu/

3. When to Apply:

* Effective January 2, 2008, the Nursing Program will no longer accept provisional applications. Only applications that meet all admission requirements are accepted. To avoid the potential of waiting lines, complete applications are accepted at any time. At the end of each application period listed in the chart below, the campus advisor will enter the student's application information into a computer database. All applications received during each period will receive a random date and time stamp. Dates are approximate to reflect Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Application periods with start or end dates affected by weekends and holidays will move to the following business day.

* December 1 - January 31

* June 1 - July 31

* February 1 - March 31

* August 1 - September 30

* April 1 - May 31

* October 1 - November 30

From what I have gathered, everyone (at the Maricopa Community Colleges) are pretty tight-lipped as to what the time/date stamp really means for those who have applied individually. GCC gave up almost no info when I called and asked them. Gateway told me that the DATE stamp is the same for everyone who applied during that 2 month time period, and that it is the TIME stamp that is different. I think I had an 8:01 am time stamp and the same lady told me that it meant I was placed at around number 60 for the group I applied in. Humm... I hope that makes sense.... So, depending upon the choices that I made for my 5 schools, their openings, and my date/time stamp, I will be placed accordingly.

I personally don't like the fact that I have no clue as to how long I will wait.... and I seem to get conflicting information depending on whom I speak to....

Anyone have more or different information that may help others, feel free to add. :heartbeat