<p>A couple notes...</p>
<p>I attended the Parent session at CPW this year. The MIT alums in the audience were asked to stand up. It was shocking how few alums were there... maybe 5 or 6 (?) in the very large auditorium. That says something about legacy chances at MIT.</p>
<p>MIT is not harsh about EA admission IMO, like some schools are (Notre Dame). MIT defers most EA applicants and gives them another full chance at RD. Deferred candidates can also send additional information during January and February to strengthen their application with later awards, etc. It seems if someone is rejected EA at MIT, they would not have been viable for RD anyway, and they can move on with their planning. But only send in an EA application if you have put in a very solid effort on it. MIT's essays are unique, as are their teacher recommendation forms.</p>
<p>If you look at the statistics (and MIT makes them available on the web), applicants have higher effective admission rates if they apply EA and also do an interview - although the chances are still not very high and get tougher every year.</p>
<p>I have heard that Ivy schools with Early Decision consider legacy status during Early Decision.</p>