I know for a fact that some have come to United via the CCP some have been told to "let us know when it's done"
A friend had his time came along. the lady doing the final review called and asked what the status of his degree was. He said should be done in a month or so and was told to keep them in the loop.
Don't take chances just to be disappointed at the last minute....just start now and get it done. California coast, nothing could be easier.