I am an international student planning ingending to major in economics. I have shortlisted my college list, and don’t wamt to apply binding early decision. Therefore, I have to choose between Harvard, Yale, Princeton and Stanford (may be MIT, though it is not the best for Econ) to apply Resrtictive/Single Choice EA.
I once read that in HYPSM, EA has a higher acceptance mainly because of Athletes and Extraordinary applicants, neither of which I am (I play chess, and have decent academics but not stellar ECs). Also, Harvard have mentioned that EA does NOT offer any advantage over RD except for earlier decisions release. If this is true, would I benefit more by not applying EA to these?
Also, if I choose EA, which one should I go for? I have a bias towards Harvard and Stanford, but may be stand a better chance at Yale or Princeton. Where should I apply SCEA for maximum benefit?
EA is not for trying to see which you can target – unless you have a clear advantage at one (such as legacy). This is the only “maximum benefit” It’s for you to choose which you’d most like to have an answer from in December – your first choice.
Between Harvard and Stanford, which would you most like to hear from? Apply SCEA to that one.
Does SCEA not offer even a Marginal advantage over RD? If no, then I’ll apply for Harvard or Stanford. If it does though, may be it’ll boost me closer to acceptance in Yale than Harvard.