<p>If I am not top 10% of class but has a high SAT/ACT score should I apply EA? People are telling me EA is more competitive in Notre Dame... Should I just go RD instead? My rank isn't high I think its around the 70~80</p>
<p>You will not get rejected EA unless the adcom is sure you would be rejected RD, anyway. You really have nothing to lose by applying EA. You sound a lot like my second son, who will be applying to ND. However, you should be aware ND looks a lot at class rank. We are not going to be overly hopeful of our second son's acceptance since he is barely in the top 25%.</p>
<p>i got in early last year with being just outside the top 10%... good SAT and what i thought was a nice essay did it.. I expected to be deferred though.. good lcuk</p>
<p>I would still apply regular if I were you. Maybe it is because I was rejected EA and had to transfer, I don't know, but unless you have top SAT scores I would stay away from EA unless you just can't wait to know. It is better to have your best test scores and another semester of grades in before the adcom sees your application if you are at all borderline IMO. I know they say they won't reject you unless you would get rejected anyways but I can't help but think that maybe going regular would let you take tests one more time and improve or do something that could get you in whereas maybe if you applied EA you wouldn't. It is completely up to you, but unless you feel you are a sure thing, I would advise you to go regular. I know, I am the pot calling the kettle black since I went for it even though I knew I was a bit weak, but the years have made me wiser. I just don't see any reason not to apply regular honestly because I think it can only help you. You don't want them guessing at your senior grades and guessing if that is the best SAT score you can do, you want all the numbers in. That is how I see it at least. Sorry to disagree with you Docmom, you know I almost always agree with you. Again, it may just be that I regret applying EA, so take these comments with a grain of salt. I wish you the very best of luck!</p>
<p>irish isn't it possible to just send the 1st semester grades of SR year to them although you applied early? Do they not allow that?</p>
<p>Since they have to give a decision before Christmas, usually those grades just can't make it there in time for them to consider them. If you think those grades may make the difference, then you should definately wait. I know you could probably send them midterm grades but ND has never been big on those, not even with transfer admissions where almost everyone else uses midterm grades for your last semester (they wait for your official grades). Just honestly think about it and decide if you think that those grades could make the difference. If the extra grades and extra time won't help you, then I guess you may as well go for EA. If the time and grades may help you, however, then I would wait.</p>
<p>Irish, I think you make some valid points I had never thought of. Everyone should just keep in mind, however, that it is statistically easier to get in EA, and there are a <em>lot</em> more applicants in RD to compete against. It's a tough decision if you're borderline.</p>
<p>The statistical advantage is why I applied EA. Yes, there is a higher acceptance rate, but that is due to the fact that the University strongly stresses that only very strong applicants should apply EA, so really I do think it is about the same. I do think that the competition is about the same either way, I don't think EA really would benefit or harm someone other than the amount of time they have to put together the best application they can.</p>
<p>That's probably true. I did know several kids from my son's HS who applied EA and were denied, but they would have been denied RD, also. So I know there are some fairly unqualified kids who do apply EA. Interesting.</p>
<p>Unfortunately I was one of those unqualified kids (at least I think I was) :( but at least it all worked out in the end :). I just wish I had had the patience; I still don't think I would have gotten in but I think I would have had a better chance regular. I am not even really sure why, I just feel that way.</p>