<p>That, in a sense, was what I wanted to get across albeit it did not seem that way. My words tend to get jumbled. I meant to say academics should not be your sole focus, because even though it is important, you should be well-rounded. </p>
<p>Thank you so much for clarifying this.</p>
<p>Um, I just want to point out that English is certainly not my first language. In fact, it’s my third. And I got an 800 on the SAT writing section.
So, silverturtle, it’s a bit offending when you assume that those who did not learn English as a first language are inept at “articulating.” You say you don’t want to sound hostile towards ExcitedG, but sorry to break it to ya, you’re not getting the Most Friendly award anytime soon with a statement like that. We’re all here to help one another, so there certainly is no reason to be rude.</p>
<p>While I do agree that academic excellence plays a huge part in obtaining an acceptance, it’s not the only significant aspect of an application. There are those with perfect SAT and ACT scores, sky-high GPA’s, National Merit finalists, etc. who are rejected from top schools every year. Granted, those applicants have a better chance of being accepted in terms of academics, but there is a reason they are rejected. For that reason, it shows we cannot only rely on a stellar academic record. Other factors have a huge role as well, such as essays, EC’S, recommendations, work/life experiences, talents, etc. By this point, I think we all understand that Stanford is a school that will not accept every student with perfect scores and GPA whose only activity is studying. If they like and see potential in a perfectly well-rounded student who happened to receive a 2000 SAT (for example), they might actually grant the acceptance. People call Stanford a crapshoot school for a reason.</p>
<p>RandomPhilosophy- While your Subject Tests scores aren’t perfect, they’re certainly not bad. I’m pretty much in the same situation as you, only difference being I haven’t even taken my SAT II’s yet. My advice would be to take the SAT I in October and see how well you do. If you are completely satisfied, I say go for SCEA. If not, try for higher SAT II scores and apply RD. The way I see it, the SAT is more important than Subject tests, especially since Stanford does not require them (though they are strongly recommended). Therefore, good SAT I scores should be a higher priority.
And the others are right, the only advantage to SCEA is getting your decision earlier. Although I do think applying EA lets Stanford know they are your top choice, the applicants are also generally stronger and more competitive. So to bump your chances for acceptance, only apply SCEA if you are sure your application cannot be any better. When in doubt, apply RD.</p>
<p>“So, silverturtle, it’s a bit offending when you assume that those who did not learn English as a first language are inept at ‘articulating.’”</p>
<p>I never made such an offensive claim. You misinterpreted and unduly generalized my statement.</p>
<p>I was trying to figure out whether the incorrect syntax (“Why should Stanford choose those who don’t to be their as their a top choice”) was just a typographical error or the poster’s not being completely natural with the language yet. I didn’t mean to offend.</p>
<p>Back on topic: the OP asked about applying early or not. Everyone knows that schools like Stanford look at both academic and subjective factors; I don’t know why a debate about this was started. If the OP’s goal is to get accepted, then he or she should retake the tests until the last date or until he or she feels the scores cannot get higher. Stanford super-scores test results.</p>
<p>If, however, the OP’s goal is to potentially find out early if it it means that he or she risks getting a rejection SCEA that may have been an acceptance RD, then go ahead and apply early.</p>
<p>^ Excuse me for not being clear. You made this statement: “I’m not sure exactly what you are attempting to articulate here. English may not be your first language.”
This sounds like you’re making the assumption that just because someone may be not able to “articulate” well, he or she is not a native English speaker. I think you would agree with me that there are MANY native speakers in the United States who cannot articulate well, or even surpass the level of some non-native speakers. If anyone “generalized” anything, it would be you. Everyone makes typographical errors, including native speakers, believe it or not. Are you going to call them all out and ask if English is their second language? Your statement shows ignorance, and it’s a bit irritating that you don’t seem the least bit remorseful for saying something that WOULD offend others, whether or not you meant to do so. One last thing - the statement you made was just a ridiculous comeback that had no relevance whatsoever to the debate that was happening. And pardon me for calling it stupid, because it was. Why would you attack another person’s English skills if everything else they’ve written was completely understandable? That was OBVIOUSLY a typographical error, and any other sensible person would have left it at that to avoid looking foolish rather than to use it as a dagger.</p>
<p>RandomPhilosophy- I apologize for helping to transform your thread into a ridiculous “debate” that has nothing to do with your original question. I’ve tried to give as much advice as I can in my first post, so I won’t be revisiting. I wish you all the luck in the world.</p>
<p>You continue to misinterpret my messages, but you have now unfortunately used these misintrepretations in a hostile manner. I will not be posting on this thread anymore.</p>
<p>Good luck, RandomPhilosophy, in your application process. I hope this debate has been helpful for you. I regret that my communication was not clear to bissfulting and ExcitedG.</p>
<p>I thank everyone for their input. After reading most of this thread, I’m leaning towards applying regular decision so that I can retake the subject tests. Of course, I will continue to do my own research.</p>
<p>A wise decision on your part. 
Good luck to you.</p>