So I’m in a slight dilemma. I was originally going to apply to Stanford REA and all my other schools ( ga tech, Cornell Cals, northeastern, Duke, etc.) Rd. But There’s a good chance (say 50%) that im going to publish a research paper before Rd deadlines but after ea is due. I also feel as though waiting will allow me to make my recs from good to outstanding (really personal).
So my question is this: Should I do some other schools (ga tech, northeastern) ea and then wait till Rd to apply to my top choices or does the benefit of applying ea to Stanford outweigh the circumstances.
Note: All my scores and grades are fine… If you want more info on me check my chance thread.
Thanks in advance!!
Has it been submitted, reviewed and accepted?
Not yet @Questar but im pretty sure it’ll be quick once it is
You may put it down as “in preparation”. This is typical on resume.
@billcsho ok so lets say the paper isn’t published but is ‘in press’ by the rd deadline but not ea. Should I apply rd or ea? just in your opinion. Thank you!
Keep in mind that getting a research paper published in a peer reviewed journal can take a great deal of time. In my D’s case the reviewers asked that additional testing be done and the paper took close to 8 months from submission to print.
If you decide to apply to Stanford REA you should of course include your research on the application and if it gets published or even accepted for publication before the decision date you can send your admissions counselor an email update.
That is a hard decision as the rejection rate at Stanford SCEA is very high. For sure “in press” is a lot more impressive than “manuscript in preparation”. Many journal has accelerated online publication process that paper is available online long before the issue being printed.
@happy1 ok so now I really dont think its going to be published by either ea or rd… the process takes longer than I thought… but it will be submitted by RD… Is it worth the sacrifice of REA in your opinion? @billscho Your 15,821 posts make you seem quite experienced :)… do you think EA provides any benefit at Stanford… a lot of people say it doesn’t at which point, there’s little point imo
Thanks to you both
Every journal article is different, but that was my D’s experience. I don’t think you are sacrificing much by applying REA as you can always send an update if the article is accepted for publication. I don’t think submitting an article means all that much as it still too early in the review process to testify to the quality of the work.
@happy1 ok thanks- do you think there is an advantage to applying to realize vs Rd at Stanford? I’m really stressed cause idk what to do :((
Stanford is a reach for everyone and nobody here can predict the outcome of your application be it SCEA or RD. You just need to make a decision as to which way to go and stop stressing about it.
With the same application, submitting SCEA does have a benefit. It shows your readiness early in the game and demonstrated your interest. If you are in the range for admission, they will defer you if not admitted. Around 85% SCEA applicants are rejected directly though. If you do need to improve your application, then RD would be the way to go.
I would not apply Stanford REA unless you are confident you have put your best foot forward at that time. If there is a chance your application will be strengthened subsequent to the Nov 1 REA deadline (paper, stronger LoR’s), WAIT! There is no admissions advantage to EA vs RD (see the Stanford Admissions website) . Demonstrated interest is not considered by Stanford (see their CDS). Stanford offers very few deferrals for REA candidates, so you may never get a chance to update them with positive news about your paper. If you apply RD, you actually have bought a couple of more months after the RD application deadline to update your application if you get good news on your paper.
Alrighty I’m going to go Rd then… Thanks everyone!
I’d still EA one of your top 5 schools, especially if they tend to “err” on the side of deferrals. If you get in, it will reduce the total applications you will need to submit, saving time and fees (application and test reports) and reduce some stress; if you are deferred, no harm; if you are rejected, it might indicate that your application is not as strong as you thought – weak essays, LoR’s – with some time to reassess where you are applying and perhaps rethinking your essays and LoR’s.
Good luck.
@BKSquared I was gonna do Georgia tech, northeastern (and some other uni??) for ea if not Stanford… They’re great schools that I think I have a good shot at… Unfortunately all my super reaches (Cornell Duke Rice Tufts) all have ED but I don’t fell comfortable doing that!
Thanks for the advice!
I agree, I wouldn’t do ED unless the school is your number 1 choice. If you have the stat’s and subjectives for Stanford, you should also be in the ball park for HYP, which are all SCEA. All three defer a higher percentage of EA applicants than Stanford. Their policy also allows you to apply to Georgia Tech EA. If you have no interest in those schools for whatever reason, there is no point to apply.
@BKSquared Thanks for the idea, but I really have never cared about HYP (or any ivy for that matter except Cornell)… They don’t have the programs I want nor would I fit there Imo. Stanford is my number one cause their environmental programs intrigue me way more than any other.
Great to see someone actually thinking about fit and not just going for prestige.