<p>I have Ivy-level stats (2340 SAT, 7 APs, good ECs, etc.) and I want to apply to Rutgers and maybe another state school as safeties. I heard a lot of people apply Early Action to state schools. Why is this necessary? Would I have a much lower shot at Rutgers and such if I applied regular action?</p>
<p>It is not necessary, particularly for safety. But if you want to have peace in your m8nd, why not get it done early. My D apply to all EA except one that has only ED that we cannot really commit to it.</p>
<p>elnamo: Do you believe that Rutgers or other “safties” will reject you regardless of when you apply and you’re looking for an advantage?</p>
<p>What are these safety schools? I can’t imagine any state school except maybe UMich, UNC, UCB or UVA that might reject you.</p>
<p>Please get some perspective – I know it’s nerve wracking but hold onto common sense. With those stats, you’re an auto admit for about 85% of colleges in America. You’ll be perfectly fine.</p>
<p>I was wondering also in terms of fincancial aid. I know that in general, there is a LARGE trend of applying EA to state schools. Is there some added benefit I am not understanding?</p>
<p>Hey, i kind of understand your concern. My son was going through the same decisions and he was worried about the disadvantages of not applying early (he ended up applying early anyways). Actually for alot of schools (especially upper tier state schools) applying EA is good for many reasons. If you claim to already have the stats and such then there should be NO problem in submitting those applications becuase you have no worry about being the edge of gettign rejected so technically your application doesn’t have to be perfect (mind that I am NOT talking about schools like UNC, UVA, UC’s, ones that are really upper upper tier especially for out of state). The other advantage is in form of scholarships. I think that some schools almost have it HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to apply early if u want chance at any upper end scholarships that you MIGHT be in the running for. I am confident that this is the case for like UNC and UVA and Umich. Also you get the results back earlier. Wouldn’t you feel better in january with a acceptance in your hand rather than still have a tinyyyyy bit of doubt in your head all throughout 2nd semester about that state school? Also, the second advantage is that if for some reason you get absolutely rejected by all your state schools early (again this is not gonna happen 99.99999999999%) you have the early knowledge of it so you can apply to other schools that are safeties/matches come regular decision.</p>
<p>As a Maryland resident, I can speak about UMD, but I’m not sure about other state schools. For College Park you must apply by the November 1 priority deadline in order to qualify for merit scholarships and for Maryland’s Honors College. Not only that, but about 90% of the freshman class is enrolled from the Nov. 1 deadline. You need to check out the website of each state school you are applying to in order to know which deadline to aim for. It’s always beneficial to apply early to increase your chances for substantial merit aid.</p>
<p>Why wouldn’t you apply EA if available? Seems like if they admit you with enough financial aid or scholarships, then you will have a safety in the bag early.</p>
<p>In some cases, applying early may be helpful if scholarships are limited and first come first served is part of the award criteria.</p>
<p>Not only scholarships may be limited. There are schools that have merit aid only available to EA (i.e. the same deadline with single application). That is one of the reason why my D applied mostly EA.</p>