<p>Would you apply EA to a school if its not your top choice? I know generally people apply early to the school they absolutly love, their dream school. But my dream school (Harvard) doesn't offer EA. Would it be silly to apply somewhere else EA if its not my top? Anyone ever had anything like this happen?</p>
<p>I would apply early action (non-binding) to schools that were at or near the top of my list. It may also make sense for you to apply early action (non-binding) to schools that are not near the top if you can get the application in on time, it improves your chances of getting scholarships and/or you just want to relegate the hassle of applications to first semester. Often EA pools at schools are the ones that scholarships are selected from; my alma mater selected the vast majority of their scholarship recipients from their early action pool.</p>
<p>I would NOT apply to any binding early plans (action or decision). One needs to be able to compare financial aid awards.</p>
<p>does applying ea limit finaid package opportunities?</p>
<p>My top choices (one of which is Harvard) do not offer EA either. I hope to have all my application stuff done by November, so I don't see why I wouldn't apply EA to a school even if it's not my top choice. It will help me gauge how strong of a candidate I actually am (especially if I apply to stretches) and can help me narrow down/change my list as needed.</p>
<p>^^Good point.</p>
<p>Usually if your grades/test scores are all prepared to go then you might as well apply early.</p>
<p>Apply EA to as many places as you can, wherever they fall on your list. You'll be notified of acceptances/rejections earlier and this way you can cut back on applications during RD. Plus EA, unlike ED, offers you the chance to compare finaid packages if need be.</p>
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Would it be silly to apply somewhere else EA if its not my top?
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<p>It would be silly not to. With the odds of getting int H, wouldn't it be smart to at least have the chance of a school in your pocket in Dec? Since EA will not affect your other applications or FA, why would you NOT apply somewhere EA?</p>
<p>First, EA isn't binding, but ED is, just for clarification. </p>
<p>If it is a school you are interested in going to, consider whether your application will be up to the level you want it to be. I know I applied to my top choice EA, and looking back, I definitely could have improved my application (especially my essay). I ended up getting in RD after getting deferred, but I noticed my essays definitely improved as I went through the application process.</p>