<p>I'm considering applying for early action, Stanford University.
Would applying Early Action increase my chances of being accepted, vs. regular decision?
Or does it truly not make a difference?</p>
<p>At some schools it makes a difference. You can calculate this yourself for individual schools. On the College Board website, find Stanford. [College</a> Search - Stanford University - The Farm - At a Glance](<a href=“College Search - BigFuture | College Board”>College Search - BigFuture | College Board) On the At A Glance tab, it says 8% admission overall. Then look at the Admissions tab. It says
Number of early action applications received: 5,361
Number admitted under early action plan: 689</p>
<p>Divide the numbers: 689 / 5361 = 12.9%. So it looks like a HUGE advantage. </p>
<p>Many schools claim that the higher EA and ED numbers are due to a better fit. Make of that what you will. ;)</p>
<p>^ Correlation does not imply causation… Stats 101.</p>
<p>Stanford’s REA applicant pool is extremely self selective and also includes most of the recruited athletes/legacies/developmental admits etc. thus inflating the acceptance rate.</p>
<p>Don’t apply early unless you feel you’ve put together the strongest app possible for yourself.</p>