"Getting the highest degree" must be about those studies that get certificates. For example, today is July 25th, and I want to fill out a form online. Although I know that July 26th is the graduation ceremony of Big Ben, I can't fill in this future date, because only in this way can I "get a degree" by accepting a certificate. At this time, you can only truthfully fill in a date four years ago on the high school diploma. Obviously, if the application process requires a copy of the highest degree certificate, the applicant can only get a high school diploma at this time.

On the other hand, if the school has announced that it will graduate on July 23rd, and the applicant knows exactly that he has been approved to graduate and be awarded a bachelor's degree, but the graduation ceremony must be held on 26th due to the school's schedule, then July 23rd can be taken as the date for obtaining a bachelor's degree. Because at this time, if it is necessary to register on the 25th due to the registration deadline, the applicant can also get a written explanation from the department, complete the registration procedures, and then submit a copy of the certificate later.