<p>I've heard conflicting answers to this question, with some saying that the SCEA pool is much harder to compete in compared to the RD pool. But obviously, the EA acceptance rate is higher.</p>
<p>Can someone clear up this confusion for me?</p>
<p>SCEA students who have very high test scores are priority in early admissions because schools want to snatch these students away from other universities. That being said, there is heavy competition all around in the early applicant pool simply because those are some of the most die hard applicants applying to in this case, Stanford.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick response =)</p>
<p>In my case, my stats are pretty strong, so maybe SCEA would be better for me? My problem is that my ECs are weak, so I'm not sure if I have the edge for SCEA...</p>
<p>If it is a school you are really serious about, go for it. Maybe if you get deffered, when it comes time for RD, they'll remember you applied early and give you priority.</p>
<p>I've heard the opposite, that deferred applicants have an even smaller chance of getting in than normal regular applicants. This might be because Stanford specifically states (many times) that they reserve most their acceptances for the Regular Decision period.</p>
<p>That aside, I'm just going to take Stanford on its word and apply SCEA because it's my first choice. Actually, maybe not. I'm not sure yet lol, but I don't know if anyone really knows the answer.</p>
<p>Maybe someone knows an adcom out there?</p>
<p>This is what I mean by conflicting responses =P</p>
<p>EA acceptance rate being higher doesnt mean it improves your chances. Every school will tell you that the higher acceptance rate for the early cycle is because it is a more competitive pool. Also, they will tell you that everyone accepted early (probably) would have been accepted regular decision. I think the only early admission that gives the applicant an advantage would be ED because the student promises to enroll if they get in showing that the school is the applicant's #1 choice. Some CCers think that EA and ED are just meant to lock up children of alums, atheletes, and the top of the top candidates. Though it is true that is how many in that status will apply to top schools, most people who apply and i think that are admitted EA and ED are run of the mill applicants who, may not necessarily gotten in RD, but stood out in the pool of early applicants. About being deffered from early admission, i think your chances of being picked up regular are slim to none. Regular Admission is in several ways harder than early because you have a bigger pool. You are deffered (if the school rejects people from early admission) because the school isnt sure about you and wants to see what else they can get before locking in with you. Because there was that doubt, your chances of getting in are low. Thats not to say people may get picked up RD if deffered from early, but dont count on it (i dont know anyone who was picked up after being deffered). </p>
<p>For your question, just apply the way that is best for you. If you know Stanford is your #1 choice it's better to know if they want you or not in December than April so you can apply more places or different places so you wont be left high and dry. If you arent positive Stanford is the place for you dont apply early anywhere, or apply EA to other schools on your short list and some safeties so you know you are in a college before everyone else (trust me it feels good to know you got in somewhere).</p>