I was wondering which would be a better choice. I heard that people who apply early has usually higher acceptance rate. I know that this is because people who apply early has higher stat or something like that. But could applying early raise the chance of admission ( in top 30 schools) ?Do you think applying early can show your interest in the school and can maybe boost your chance a bit than applying to regular decision?
Early action tends to have a higher acceptance rate, but for schools like the Ivies, that number is inflated because of recruited athletes and other hooked applicants. Both groups are competitive, but I assume that RD is bit more competitive due to the fact that deferred students from restrictive EA or ED schools apply to many institutions during the regular round. I would recommend applying early to your number one choice.
But be sure to note Early Action is usually restrictive, but not binding. Early Decision is binding.
There is generally no downside to applying EA since it is not restrictive. If your application is ready in time for the EA deadline and you feel you are showing yourself in the best light, then apply EA. If you feel you want to re-take a standardized test or show your first semester grades, then hold off and apply RD.
One reason to eschew EA is for someone who wants to make sure his/her first semester Senior year bulks up the entire package. By waiting to apply RD with 7 solid semesters on the transcript, it can be a boost if the applicant thinks just the first six could use reinforcement
Some schools require EA for scholarships. I know Tulane does.
Yes. But only if the school considers that interest. I suspect Harvard does not and Tulane does.
I definitely recommend applying to one or two schools early especially if they are ones you are likely to get into, because it takes a lot of pressure off the year to have an acceptance or two. And many schools require it for their best scholarships.
I think USC is another school that requires EA for scholarships. Just check the schools you are interested in. I take Harvard and Princeton at their word that there is not an advantage to EA. If you are not interested in any of the privates with merit aid that require EA, then apply EA to Harvard anyway. If you are, go for the money and RD to Harvard, etc.