Stanford Restrictive Early Action

[Chrane03]

Stanford has stated that there is no selection advantage to applying REA there. I believe that they called it “no special preference” for REA applicants. However, Stanford has a 9.5% acceptance for REA but has a 4.7% acceptance overall.

Is Stanford lying or is this just a result of better qualified applicants applying REA as compared to regular decision applicants?

I will be applying to Stanford either way but am still deciding between a few schools to use my REA on. Based on my high school’s past statistics I have a greater chance at getting into Stanford than any other REA offering school, but if REA doesn’t boost my chances then I might as well try somewhere else.

[skieurope]

Back out recruited athletes and legacies who apply REA and the numbers get closer.

In general, REA (or EA) at any college offers no real boost- not like ED. If Stanford is your first choice and you application won’t get stronger by waiting, apply REA. Know though that if you are nit accepted REA, you will likely be rejected; Stanford defers relatively few.