Should I do EA at MIT and Caltech?

Applying to College
1

<p>Sorry if this is long...and confusing. To make up for it, I'll chance you if you have a chance thread and post a link to it in your reply. Also if you need me to explain further/more clearly tell me which parts are unclear.</p>

<p>Basically here's the story.</p>

<p>Got 1 b+ and rest a/a+ throughout 5 semesters of 9th, 10th, 11th grade.</p>

<p>Last semester of 11th grade, got a 3.50GPA (3.90 cumulative now), got 2 c+'s, a b, FML, etc...
I found out why and how I could help my "deep procrastination"...unfortunately I found this site today which is obviously too late...
Study</a> Hacks Blog Archive The Danger of Deep Procrastination
Oh well, god would have shown it to me earlier if he thought I should have it. Anyways we're getting off topic.</p>

<p>I want to apply EA at MIT and Caltech...</p>

<p>I got a 33 on the ACT. I am going to retake that in September. No problem there, plus I can take it once more in October.</p>

<p>I haven't taken any SAT II's yet. I have a whole summer to prepare and take Math 2, Physics, and US History. I can take those in October at the earliest.</p>

<p>I got a 2090 on the SAT. obviously I want to take that again. In November.</p>

<p>Caltech says that for EA I have to have all my tests done by the October time slot. That means I have to show them the 2090 SAT...or no SAT at all...still a problem I think.</p>

<p>MIT says that for EA I have to have all my tests done by the November time slot. That lets me retake the SAT one more time, and take the SAT II's one time (no retakes). also a problem.</p>

<p>First of all, is this a big issue? Or should I wait until Regular Decision so I'm not so pressured on tests?</p>

<p>And now back to my grades. They sucked second semester junior year...the last semester they'll see for EA. Assuming I get a 4.0 again senior year semester 1...could I show them a quarter grade? Or will they just see my horrible final semester? I mean, that's gotta leave a bad taste in the mouth.</p>

<p>I'd rate my extracurriculars 7/10. See other threads I've made for details.</p>

<p>Should I apply EA? I'm afraid I'll get denied (not even deferred) and not be able to apply Regular Decision which I might have a better chance at because they will see my Jr. year sem. 2 was just a hiccup (albeit a big one) because my Sr. year sem. 1 will be a return to form...and also I will be able to retake SAT II's if I need to.</p>

2

<p>First of all, I’ve heard that you can apply EA for both MIT and Caltech as a pair.
I guess it’s the two school’s policy since they are both strong science schools</p>

<p>But, I recommend you NOT apply to these early. The only reason is that you have a extreme low chance of getting in. I would not waste my “early card” just like that and would rather use it more wisely.</p>

3

<p>Yes, I would apply EA to these schools if you are planning to apply in the first place. October SAT will be in time for EA to both schools. It is a long shot either way, probably very small chance based on what you said but I don’t think it will be outright rejection. You can send in your senior mid year grade if you are deferred. Write a really good essay and your chance of rejection will be really low.</p>

4

<p>the thing is…i feel like I can improve a ton senior year first semester…so I want to wait until Regular Decision…but I’m not sure if the supposed better chance of applying EA will offset it.</p>

5

<p>I understand your thinking. You might get a fresher look if you apply RD with good senior grades than a staled look after almost certain deferred EA. All top kids at our school with 3.9+ GPA and 2300+ SAT (total about 5-6 kids) got deferred from EA last year with just one acceptance at RD.</p>

6

<p>There is no admissions advantage applying early action. The only benefit is finding out early. If you want to retake tests and show improved GPA, then definately wait.</p>

7

<p>okay…I think I will wait until RD then for schools I’m serious about. Thanks.</p>

<p>(might apply to Yale EA just for fun)</p>