SCEA vs. 3 EAs?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I was wondering the opinions of many of the members regarding a question that popped up in my mind last week or so. I am going to be applying to university this year, Fall '07, and I was pretty sure I would be applying to Stanford SCEA (also being a legacy there). However, considering I am an international applying for financial aid and my SATs aren't great at all (1340 Cr+M) with a great GPA, very hard workload and top rank, the biggest odds are on deferral for the SCEA. However, there are some other universities (3 and possibly 4) that are on my list that have EA (think Boston College, Tulane) and I have much better chances at acceptance, especially Tulane. I am thinking now that it is much better to have one or a couple of acceptances under my belt in December and start checking out financial aid packages and negotiating than waiting for a likely deferral that would postpone all my decisions to April, instead of having 4 decisions and likely 2+ acceptances by December. Still, SCEA applicants at Stanford usually have higher acceptance results and I am a legacy.</p>

<p>So, I would appreciate the opinions of everyone (I will be talking with my counselors soon). 4 decisions with 2 or 3 acceptances by December and already a chance at deciding the university to attend and negotiating financial aid packages, or a better chance at going to a top 5 world university, with a small chance at an acceptance in December?</p>

2

<p>I'd apply SCEA. As an international applicant, you'll need every boost you can, and applying SCEA as a legacy will help. I would also try getting that score up, if possible; it seems to be the real weakness in your application. The ACT may be an alternative.</p>

<p>As an alternative to EA schools, consider
1) Rolling admission schools
2) Interim Decision at Rice (their EA)
3) EA at public colleges like UNC Chapel Hill </p>

<p>None of the above conflict with SCEA.</p>

3

<p>in my opinion, when applying for early admissions, dont try to caculate your odds to maximize your overall chances. I heavily recommend applying to your #1 school whether its SCEA or EA.</p>