Question is in the title. Yale is my first choice, and I’ve done everything on Common App except all the essays. I’m nervous about getting rejected in December and then having to wait many months until I hear back from other schools. I would also like a bit more time to refine my essays for Yale, both the supplements and Common App essay. However, from what I have heard, applicants who apply early have a bit of an edge. Could anyone give me advice on this topic? Thanks!
If you apply to tippy top schools chances are that you will be rejected by some of them. IMO that is no reason to skip applying to them (assuming you are competitive for admission).
Make sure you find safeties that you would be happy to attend (and can afford).
@Proudpatriot
My question isn’t whether or not I should apply. It’s whether or not I should apply early.
You can get rejected in the regular decision round just as easily as if you apply early. Why not apply early?
@Proudpatriot I explained in my post.
My son applied SCEA to Yale in fall 2014. He seemed well qualified so assumed that at worst he would be deferred to the regular admission cycle. He ended up getting rejected. It was definitely a disappointment, but he did already have some state school acceptances (allowable with SCEA).
It did serve as a kick in the butt to make his other apps really good, since he found out mid December. So if you get rejected will it motivate you, or cause you to crumble with depression? Your choice.
Note that although the acceptance rate for SCEA is higher, it may not be a fair comparison. I suspect many of the acceptances that round go to legacies, athletes, and the like. For the regular unhooked applicant the benefit may not be that great.
And one other consideration- what will look better, your mid-term grades or your final grades for the semester? For SCEA they will only see the former.