EA or RD Dilemma

<p>I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not I should apply EA to MIT. MIT is without a doubt my top choice (well... maybe tied with Harvard :)), and EA supposedly improves one's chances. </p>

<p>However, I have a crappy SAT II science score (650) and I need to retake the SAT for my writing (I'm retaking the SAT I in October). My other scores are fine, grades are a bit on the poor side (3.8 gpa, top 2% though), and my ECs stellar - I think. </p>

<p>Should I apply early with the 650 or should I wait for RD? Would rushed November scores make it?</p>

<p>Keep in mind that I have other places that I would like to apply early that are SCEA/ED and require any 2 SAT IIs (Not limited to Math + Science. My other SATs are Math II 770 + USH 740). Thanks.</p>

<p>haha, sounds like me! I did pretty bad on my SAT II's in science (bio and chem....lets just say I was having a bad day and didn't study), but I still think I'm going to apply EA. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the November test date is the last day you can take any form of SATs and still be considered for EA. Also, I'm pretty sure there is no need to rush your scores, since it gives no advantage anyways. You might want someone else's confirmation, just in case though!</p>

<p>EA to MIT doesn't really improve your chances per se, it just gives most applicants a chance to be looked at twice during selection (once during EA, then again during RD, since the majority of applicants are deferred). It also gives you a chance to supplement your application after thinking about it for a few months.</p>

<p>It's true that November scores can still be considered for EA, and they don't need to be rushed. Ben's blog shows the scores getting to MIT on Dec 1 last year, in plenty of time for selection.</p>

<p>Yep, but you've gotta wait 3 weeks this year because of the messed up SAT scores last year.</p>

<p>Awww... Mollie beat me to it, and it was one of the few questions I knew the answer to. I'd say go for it anyway, because most likely you'll be deferred (not you specifically, but everyone in general), and the November test is the last chance to take it that will still be considered in the admissions process. Plus, it's EA, if it was ED then maybe you'd have a problem.</p>