I am a senior currently deliberating between applying to either Stanford REA or Harvard SCEA.
The main issue for me is how they will see both my SAT/ACT scores and my attendance of Harvard Summer School.
I took the SAT 4 times (SS: 2360) and got a 20 on ACT Writing (35 Composite). Because Stanford requires all scores, I feel that they will look down upon the fact that I took the SAT way too many times and didn’t do so well on the ACT Writing, even though I do have Writing awards that contradict the impression that I am a bad writer. I also worry about the fact that I attended Harvard Summer School this past summer. Although I am getting a rec letter from a professor that taught me, I feel that if I apply to Harvard SCEA, other Ivy Leagues will think that Harvard is my top choice and that will affect my chances. Additionally, I know that Harvard makes a point that they admit anyone in the RD round that they did in SCEA, such that the chances are equal if I apply either way.
I would say apply early to the school you would most want to attend.
As to worrying about Harvard summer school, I wouldn’t- many students attend college summer programs, doesn’t mean that school is their top choice.
Lastly, at a Stanford info session, an admissions officer said that although they ask for all scores, they do internally superscore- therefore, your multiple times will probably not hurt you.
Your title is wrong since Stanford does not practice ED only REA which is not binding. Stanford does super score. You should apply to the place you want to go the most. Unless you have some hook like legacy it won’t affect your decision.
The schools know that the ACT writing score is messed up so I wouldn’t worry about that. U Penn has a statement on why they no longer require it. Hopefully other schools follow suit.
You seem to be in the thrall of the biggest brand names, on opposite coasts, no less; I think you should thoughtfully consider the hundreds of other schools between these two. In previous posts you have spoken of teaching as a passion. You do not have to go to H or S to be an effective and fulfilled teacher.
Don’t worry about the ACT writing score. The ACT writing scores are seriously messed up and I expect admissions knows this.
No, I don’t think Stanford is going to hold it against you that you attended a summer program at a different school, I think that’s kind of ridiculous. Does Stanford even offer such a program?
No, I don’t think other Ivy league schools are going to reject you if you apply early to Harvard. First of all, how would they know this unless you tell them? And secondly, it’s a stupid idea. There are many cross admits to those schools.
What I think you should do is stop worrying so much about things that are so unlikely to affect your application, and simply apply early to your top choice school.