Hey everyone. I have a bit of a predicament. I’m applying to Stanford University through the common app, and I think I have a fair chance of getting in. I’m the valedictorian in my class with a 4.66 cumulative gpa, a 1520 SAT, and multiple extracurriculars. While I’m confident in my profile, there are many other prominent students in my school who are also applying. Originally, I was going to apply for the regular decision, but most of these people applying are doing early action. I’m afraid that if I am in a later pool than they are, they will get accepted over me. I still have a bit of time to finish up my essays in time for the early action deadline, but I know they can be better if I had more time. Are my chances of getting in decreased if I choose to do regular decision? Or would you recommend I apply in the same pool as my classmates? Thanks!
You should apply when you feel you can put together the strongest application.
It depends on a lot you haven’t mentioned. Early admits are usually the best in that pool, as defined by the college- and definitely more than stats, rigor, and just having ECs (or even titles.) Adcoms also know your high school’s and your area’s relative strengths. Sometimes, they leave a few early spots open to see who does apply in RD. Early is also a lot of athletes, maybe legacies and other connections.
Have you self-matched to what S looks for? If so, and if that shows in your app and supps, so far, maybe you do put in the effort to polish off your app now. Make the decision you feel is best, that you can be happy with. If RD allows you do research a little more and present better, maybe you wait. This is really about the quality of your own app.