I’m currently torn between applying REA to Harvard or Stanford (my two dream schools!) or EA to my “likely” schools (Georgetown and Notre Dame). The reason why I’m torn between either applying to a dream or likely is because of my test score. I have a 32 on the ACT (33 superscored) and plan on retaking this month, but I know that I can improve it by December. I am taking my subject tests in November so I also do not have those on file yet (aiming for 720+). However, I have a 4.0/4.4 GPA (ranked top 3% in class) and I’m ranked top 10 in the nation for philanthropy (from a globally recognized award). I’ve invested my time outside of school towards running my nationally recognized/city-wide nonprofit and serving on different commissions and boards related to human rights, which is my passion. Should I take a risk and apply early to Harvard or Stanford with lower test scores or wait until regular to make sure I’m presenting my strongest profile? Thank you!
EA at Georgetown does not provide a bump. They are one of the few schools that are more stringent at EA.
@wisteria100 I know that applying unrestricted EA won’t be a bump, but it would be nice to get a few colleges I’m interested in done before regular decision. Is it worth taking a risk and applying REA?
For anybody who finds themselves in the same situation, I ended up applying EA to Georgetown, ND, and BC (accepted to all 3 with merit aid at ND and BC because of EA) and applied RD for Stanford, Yale, and Harvard with a 33 ACT. I was accepted to S + Y and waitlisted at H! It was definitely nice having a few awesome acceptances come December!
Congrats! Any advice for other applicants applying to schools like HYPS with a 33/4.0?
I hate to say this but 33/4.0 means that your qualified to go, but without all the background (e.g.hooks talents etc.) you have no idea if your truly competitive.
@CU123 I have a much more detailed thread about my profile on my page, but I was just asking OP if they felt their score hindered them in any way or how they felt they successfully conveyed their extracurricular passions on the app. 
Essay, essay, essay. Don’t understimate it.
You are unlikely to get in EA with a 32. Retake and aim for a higher score. EA is only an advantage if you are already a very strong candidiate.
I’m not trying to be mean, but how exactly do you think that Georgetown and ND are your “likely” schools? At their level of selectivity, I wouldn’t be too sure. Do you have real safeties as well?
@Lindagaf and @GnocchiB OP posted an update on post #3 that he was accepted to Georgetown, BC and ND EA, as well as Stanford and Yale in the regular round.
Oops,should have looked at the date!