I understand that the acceptance rate is marginally higher for the early applicants. However, my gpa is not the strongest (4.2) and was wondering if I should wait to apply regular decision so that first semester senior grades can potentially boost my gpa. I honestly do not even know if that is how it works. Could somebody please help me with my situation.
I’m in the same boat as you. I recommend applying to all safeties EA, and then all the tougher ones RD, just so you can get another good semester in. EA is not for late bloomers.
I seem to have found that ED gives an applicant an advantage if you meet all the school’s admission criteria. Schools like to use ED acceptance to protect their yield. Not so much so with EA. If applying EA, I think you need to be a strong applicant. Some schools screen those applicants with more scrutiny than those applying RD. RD is an option that allows you to show more of your academic success during the first part of senior year. It also allows you include awards or accomplishments you may receive during the first two semesters.
You have to name schools for a legitmate answer. U Penn gives an advantage ED. Harvard gives no advantage SCEA. In general, EA can be more competitive.
Also, most safeties are state schools and many have rolling admissions so no EA required.
How much do you think your gpa will go up from a 4.2 by adding one semester of grades? Even if you get all As, it might go to a 4.22, or 4.23.
ED should be used for the school that is your #1 choice. I think shouting that to the admissions office by applying ED is more beneficial than a tiny increase in gpa.
You said in another post that you were looking at Ivy level schools – if that is the case I would try to improve on your 1400 SAT score before you apply.
If you’re considering EA I would make sure that your SAT/ACT scores are exactly what the school is looking for. The scores will balance out your GPA not being super high. If your scores aren’t the best you could still apply but just make sure they’re high enough to where you will get deferred from EA, and not full on rejected. You don’t want to take yourself out of the admissions process early, when if you had simply waited a few months to raise your grades and your test scores you would’ve had a much better shot.
Thanks for all your answers guys. Really appreciate it. While I am not limiting myself to Ivy League schools, my top choices are all fairly difficult to get into. I am planning on applying to Georgetown early decision while saving the tougher school for regular decision so I can retake my SAT and boost my GPA.