Stanford Early Action/Regular Decision?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<p>So basically, I've always wanted to go to Stanford but because of their ridiculously low acceptance rate, I did not put it on my college list because I assumed the application would be a waste of my time. I've been planning on applying early decision to Columbia because I've visited and loved it, but then again, I've only visited six schools. I also planned on applying Early Action to MIT and other schools such as Northeastern and University of Miami.</p>

<p>But today I looked at the writing supplements for Stanford and realized I would have a blast writing them. My chances are still low, but I realized I can work hard to write stellar essays and hope for the best, right? But now I don't know if I should apply Restrictive Early Action to Stanford. I have not visited, and it would prevent me from applying Early Decision to Columbia and Early Action to MIT. Grade-wise and score-wise, my stats are solid, but I am not very strong on extracurricular activities and leadership positions. I'm also Asian, so I suppose that decreases my chances of admission. </p>

<p>I have done research on the EA/RD acceptance rates for Stanford (11-12% EA and 6-7% RD), but I know many factors can skew the EA admittance rate; people also say if a student gets in EA, he or she would get in RD. I guess my question is: Does applying EA to Stanford increase my chances so much that I should give up ED to Columbia and EA to MIT? Should I just plan to apply to Stanford RD?</p>

2

<p>Suppose that in April or so, you receive acceptance letters from Stanford, Columbia, or MIT. If you can outright choose any one of them, then definitely apply early to that school. Otherwise, you probably should stick to RD for all three (unless you feel like applying to MIT early).</p>

3

<p>If you get into Columbia ED, you won’t be applying anywhere else unless you plan on giving it up.</p>

<p>If the plan is apply and give up, why even bother? Not to say that you should switch your plan and apply to Stanford (they reject 80+ percent in REA and the higher rate has a lot of guaranteed admits - athletes) but it would make zero sense to apply to any college ED when you are debating about other schools.</p>