How long does it REALLY take to hear back from Howard?

I've asked this question many times. I've heard the horror stories about people's stuff getting lost in the mail and all that crap. So I'm praying with all my might for my stuff to make it. But I want Howard to let me know if they don't get it. How long am I supposed to wait? And how is it gonna take them tell me if I'm accepted (I applied Early Action). My friend told me just wait to see if they took the money out your bank account. If they did, they got your stuff. I don't know if I wanna trust, even though if they got my money, they should have all my stuff since it's in one envelope.

when i applied last year i did the regular deadline....but i didnt find out until may and it was in the form of a new student orientation flyer so i had to call to find out my admimssion status...but it was well worth the wait...in time you will see that many things at howard envolve a process