<p>I will be applying to MIT next fall and it is my top choice. My preference would be to apply EA. However, I will also be participating in the Intel competition after spending the summer working on my project, and results of this are usually not until after Jan. 2012. There are also some other competitions that I will be doing in the Spring 2012. Would I be better off applying RD in case I am able to do well in these competitions, or would it be more important to show real interest by applying EA, and describing my science research in my application?</p>
<p>Neither applying EA nor RD is automatically advantageous – MIT doesn’t privilege the people who apply EA over those who apply RD. </p>
<p>The only real advantage to applying EA is that if you are deferred (as the majority of applicants are), you have the opportunity to think about the weaknesses of your application and send in supplemental material (extra essays, extra recommendations, updates about your achievements, e.g.). So if you are deferred EA but do well in Intel, you could send your Intel results to MIT in time for the RD review. (Anything that will happen later in the spring than about February 15 likely won’t arrive in time for MIT’s RD review.)</p>
<p>The disadvantage of applying early is that you have to get your act together and get all the application materials in earlier, and you are prevented from applying to other schools with restrictive early programs. </p>
<p>You should think about whether it’s advantageous for you to apply EA to MIT. The question is whether it’s advantageous from your point of view; it’s not advantageous from the admissions office’s point of view. No extra brownie points are awarded for applying early to MIT.</p>
<p>Early early early. There’s no direct advantage, and statistically there’s no difference according to the adcom, and ‘interest’ doesn’t factor in MIT admissions, but think about it. If you apply early, then technically, you’re getting a couple advantages: 1- they won’t see senior year grades in case you drop. Most people don’t, but in case. 2- you’ll likely end up deferred or accepted if MIT is your first choice and your grades are adequate. I say this because if you chose MIT it must mean you fit at least some of its characteristics. 3- If you end up deferred, you’ll have gotten 2 shots at admission, more than most others. And 4- you can think about what to add, the Intel thing among those. Just make sure you get a head start on applying and on your essays, and EA is the way to go.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice Molly and Jimmy. I am inclined to apply early for the reasons Jimmy mentioned, and hope for the best.</p>
<p>I wish I had applied early, the tube would’ve been nice.</p>
<p>jimmy’s reasons aren’t accurate. we require all of our early action applicants/admits to send in their midyear grades and final grades. and the deferral doesn’t really give you twice the shot. </p>
<p>it seriously doesn’t matter. whatever is best for you.</p>
<p>MITChris: I’m not interested in EA to skirt the senior grade issue – I’ll be taking a challenging courseload, and have no intention of slacking off. What I’m really asking is, if one has done some signficant research culminating in an Intel project, would it be better from MIT admissions standpoint to apply RD when those final results are in, or is it enough to describe project in EA application? I want to apply EA because I really want to be at MIT, and though I know the EA percentage acceptance is small, being accepted in December would mean that I wouldn’t have to apply to so many other schools.</p>
<p>You should apply EA and describe your project, then send an update with the results of the competition if you get deferred.</p>
<p>
Not exactly what I meant.
I’m sure the OP knows that MIT expects grades to remain stellar in senior year, but when the application is reviewed early, mid-year grades don’t play a part, and as far as I know it’s rare to see an offer rescinded because of mid-year/final year grades. I was aware they’re required to submit both.
And by ‘twice the shot’ I merely meant getting the application reviewed twice. Not twice the chance.
I did open with ‘statistically, there’s no difference’. It’s just that for those looking seriously into MIT, early would appear to be the better option, with an extra advantage being the early notification. I’d assume the EA application numbers reflect this course of action. Those choosing MIT over other schools seem inclined to apply EA directly - after all, about half (?) the US pool applies early.</p>