<p>TL;WR (too long; won't read): What's the bigger advantage when applying to Stanford? Subject Tests (that aren't mandatory, yet recommended) or the Early Action Application?</p>
<p>Huge dilemma here. I plan on applying to Stanford and I understand that Subject Tests aren't mandatory. But, they're strongly recommended, and we all know what that means ("We recommend [but do not require] that you submit official results of at least two SAT Subject Tests, as these additional scores often assist us in our evaluation process."). Also, they have the Early Action option which statistics imply is a huge benefit. Since I come from a town that doesn't have all the usually available testing dates, I have only two test dates left. One has to be for the SAT Reasoning Test obviously. The other could be used for the Subject Tests. However, Stanford super-scores the SAT and I don't want to waste that option, especially if my SAT score disappoints the first time through. I have the choice to go for the Regular Application and take the SAT1 twice and Subject Tests once, but this means I miss out on the EA advantage. WHAT DO I DO I'M A SCRUB. </p>
<p>LOL; EA deadline = November 1st, the extra SAT date I need = November 2nd. <em>Shakes fist at sky.</em></p>
<p>But statistically? Does anyone know the advantage? And as for recommended/optional, Stanford uses both words in the same paragraph to describe the subject tests so…</p>
<p>If your credential is not reslly above average of admission, you should take the time to improve your scores. Most early applicants got rejected directly and leave you no chance to improve your application.</p>
<p>When it comes to one of the most selective colleges in the country, you want to have as much going for you on your application as possible. So if you have an extremely strong gpa with a very difficult courseload, exceptional ECs, etc., then perhaps you can afford to not submit something that is ‘recommended’ but not required. But if you’re more like a normal, competitive, but not out-of-the-ballpark candidate, then you’re going to want as much to show as possible.</p>
<p>BTW, being a sort-of-competitive candidate at S REA is generally not a great idea as they defer relatively few applicants to the RD round, preferring to give most people decisions immediately. This is different from other SCEA schools who may defer over half of early candidates, giving them a second chance RD.</p>
<p>No one is going to be able to quote the percent bump one will get by submitting SAT subject test scores. But I totally agree that if it is suggested, recommended, encouraged, then in effect it is required. Why take the chance of sending in an application that looks deficient? I wish that institutions would just come out and say that 2,3,10 (or whatever number) are REQUIRED.</p>
<p>General rule for all schools, not just Stanford is: Only do ED/EA if your application is complete and nothing vital could be added by waiting for RD. Need a great first semester senior year to show you can do the work, wait. Need some better test scores, wait. Need some tests period, wait.</p>
<p>Let’s put it this way - a whole bunch of your competition in EA is going to come from people with 2350-2400 SAT, 35-36 ACT, and near perfect SAT IIs. Do you really want to go in with anything less than your best game? I think you know the answer to that.</p>
<p>One last thing, could someone outline the “above-average” student applying to Stanford for me? SAT scores, ECs, GPA, top__% of graduating class, etc? Please and Thank You.</p>
<p>Go to the S forum, see the sticky Results thread at the top of the page; you can also use the Search function to find others. What you’re going to see is great applicants both accepted and denied.</p>
<p>If that’s what your high school sends out, then yes. Just be aware that at our high school, the average accepted student, and we have 3-4 per year, is 3.98 and an ACT of 34. We also had someone get accepted once with a 3.5 and a 27 ACT, but they were undoubtedly an athlete or a minority, probably both.</p>