Just got into Stanford EA, but didn’t know whether or not I should be applying to other colleges (Yale and Harvard mainly). What’s everyone’s opinion?
well do you want to go to Stanford?
If there is no way* that you would choose the other college over Stanford, then there is no need to apply to the other college.
*Including due to cost and financial aid considerations.
Is Stanford your first choice? Is it affordable? If the answer to both is an emphatic yes, then do not bother applying anywhere else. IF you have any doubts on either count, apply to whatever schools you think you may prefer…or may give you a more viable financial option.
Didn’t you apply SCEA to Stanford (vs. Y and H) for a reason?
Stanford is my number one choice school. The only things I was questioning was I have not yet received my financial aid packet, and I might always wonder if I would have gotten in to those other schools
If you can afford to apply to them, why not? It’s good to be able to compare FA packages, and your number one choice now may not be your number one choice after being admitted to a variety of schools.
The only reason I would hesitate is because I’m assuming you’re contemplating applying to other very selective schools, most of which have early January deadlines and many supplements. If you haven’t already prepared your applications, you may be rushing to do it now, which could make them be of lower quality than your Stanford one.
If you need to compare financial offers, then go ahead. If you are applying to other top tier schools just to see if you get in, then don’t bother.
If your parental income is more than $125,000 then yes, you should apply to others if you need financial aid.