<p>I am one of 2 students applying EA to Harvard from my school. I go to a fairly large Colorado public; we haven't had anyone go to Harvard in 3 years. I think both of us are very strong applicants, but I'm wondering if my chances will be reduced because my classmate is also applying (I think he has overall better stats than me, but not by a huge amount). Would it be unlikely or less likely for Harvard to accept both of us? My fear is that whereas we both might be accepted if we went to different schools, instead I might be rejected or deferred since he is a slightly better candidate and they might only want one.</p>
<p>I suggest that instead of worrying about the other person, you concentrate on making sure that your app and interview are as good as possible.</p>
<p>Keep in mind, too, that you are competing against students in your region, which is much larger than your h.s. There's a chance that neither of you will be accepted, which typically happens in my area. There are several good schools -- public and private -- that have Harvard EA apps. At most a total of one applicant is accepted. Sometimes none are. Sometimes a total of 1 student is accepted EA, one RD and both come from the same school.</p>
<p>Please don't pull a Tonya Harding. Just kidding. You can't do anything about your both applying. So, sit back, relax, and see how it plays out. I can only tell you that getting in is an outcome based on a complex set of considerations. Being a "slightly better candidate" is your judgment, not necessarily the adcom's judgment. Amazing things happen in the decision room.</p>
<p>I agree with the others. You can't do anything about the other person's app or how it'll be viewed. Just do the best on your own and hope it's either accepted or deferred.</p>
<p>Anecdote: Last year 4 students (1 Indian, 1 Sudanese, 1 Romanian, 1 Canadian) applied to Carleton from my school. Two were accepted, one was waitlisted and the fourth rejected.
Of the two accepted, one was co-valedictorian, straight A, mid 1300 SAT. The other was a high GPA-er, mostly A's, some B student and 1100 SAT.
The third that got waitlisted was the other co-valedictorian, straight A, 1460 SAT (800 Math, 660 Verbal). </p>
<p>Stats aren't all that counts.</p>