Early Action/Regular Decision?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>So basically, I've always wanted to go to Stanford but because of their ridiculously low acceptance rate, I did not put it on my college list because I assumed the application would be a waste of my time. I've been planning on applying early decision to Columbia because I've visited and loved it, but then again, I've only visited six schools. I also planned on applying Early Action to MIT and other schools such as Northeastern and University of Miami.</p>

<p>But today I looked at the writing supplements for Stanford and realized I would have a blast writing them. My chances are still low, but I realized I can work hard to write stellar essays and hope for the best, right? But now I don't know if I should apply Restrictive Early Action to Stanford. I have not visited, and it would prevent me from applying Early Decision to Columbia and Early Action to MIT. Grade-wise and score-wise, my stats are solid, but I am not very strong on extracurricular activities and leadership positions. I'm also Asian, so I suppose that decreases my chances of admission. </p>

<p>I have done research on the EA/RD acceptance rates for Stanford (11-12% EA and 6-7% RD), but I know many factors can skew the EA admittance rate; people also say if a student gets in EA, he or she would get in RD. I guess my question is: Does applying EA to Stanford increase my chances so much that I should give up ED to Columbia and EA to MIT? Should I just plan to apply to Stanford RD?</p>

2

<p>Well, MIT, Columbia, and Stanford are VERY different schools. Doing an early application, action or decision, signifies that school is your top choice, and you would go to it over any other place you got accepted to.</p>

<p>My advice is to learn a bit more about the environments of each. Does the school have a good department for your major, or any major you’re thinking about? Do you want a tech atmosphere or a humanities one? Visit if possible.</p>

<p>And EA doesn’t help much (ED does though). The admissions rates are just higher because the applicant pool is a bit stronger and legacies and athletes tend to apply early.</p>

3

<p>The rule of thumb is, if you need to improve your score or GPA, do not apply EA as the rejection rate is high at Stanford REA.</p>

4

<p>I am in the exact same dilemma. I had always just ruled out Stanford bc its so difficult but in the past weeks I feel as if I might as well try. I just don’t know whether REA is the best option, bc I don’t want to waste my EA on Stanford if it would be not much different applying RD. On the other hand, I don’t want to apply regular and be rejected and wonder if I could have gotten if I applied early.</p>

5

<p>If you are “acceptable” you will get in REA or RD. No difference. If you think you will have better grades and scores to submit by waiting a little, then applying RD would be slightly more advantageous I think.</p>