No you don’t have to submit it so early, but you can because it just opened on October 1
@nerdbelle thank you! @Shoumei thank you for reminding me about FAFSA!
Is there a benefit to filling it out on Oct. 1st versus like the end of October (Stanford-related or otherwise)?
I don’t think there is, just make sure to fill it out in time for the deadlines that the schools you’re applying to have.
Let’s work hard to get in!
We got this y’all!!! Hopefully we’ll be classmates next year 
Here’s hoping
Keep in mind, high achieving students succeed no matter where they go (if you happen not to get in to Stanford don’t be upset)!
This such a positive thread it makes me so happy we’re all supporting each other!
As an update, today I finished writing most of my supplements and I am genuinely so happy with them I’m so proud. I think they’re a true reflection of me, and I never thought I’d feel like this, but I am so excited now!
I need to start on the supplements. 
I feel excited about my third supplement essay; not so sure about the first two.
Does REA give a bump for admissions? I’ve heard that it has and hasn’t…
@AimingTop50 I feel that. I loovee my third one. The others, eh. but i’m gonna keep working on it to refine.
Mostly I’ve heard that REA is good if you truly feel confident that it’s the best representation of you in that moment. I think the acceptance stats are higher, but also the applicant pool is extremely competitive, so idk. Honestly I just think I’d like to get it done and know early cause I don’t think I can do anything between now and regular decision to improve my app at all.
^ Yep the rate is higher, but so are the stats of the applicant pool.
@bluepear2000 Mmhmm. The first prompt doesn’t allow much creativity in my opinion. More like just answer the question. The second one is hard to make stand out IMO… But the third one leaves a lot of room.
And yes it’s mainly just to find out early.
Just paid the 90 bucks (app submitted) !
@theglowingdragon Major congrats for getting in!! Quick question: how does a 1500 SAT (780 Math 720 English, 1 and only sitting) and 3.96 UW/4.15 W GPA size me up for REA admissions in your opinion? Latina hoping to major in aerospace engineering if that helps
@AimingTop50 congrats on submitting!!! that’s the biggest step
Super random, but I’m so glad I have absolutely no desire to apply to Stanford. Just saw this thread and thought I would wish y’all luck!
@justliviglife You’re awesome!