<p>I'm a junior and really torn between my EA options next yr. I really want to get into a school EA so I have a little relief during regular admissions. So basically, its down to these two for me.
I would describe myself as more of a science and mathy person which I know fits the stanford mold pretty well. But after visiting yale this yr I really liked the chill atmosphere in new haven. So I guess I would be satisfied at either school. </p>
<p>So I guess it all boils down to these questions</p>
<p>Which school would be easier to get into EA?
Do either of them seem to admit only one student per high school EA?
For a prospective science/math major which one would be better and provide the best liberal arts education?</p>
<p>I don't know about answers to your other questions, but I just went to a meeting with a Stanford adcom, and she told me straight up that it is VERY difficult to get into Stand EA, because nothing from your senior year is counted. You've really, really got to stand out to get accepted there with nothing from your senior year counting.</p>
<p>That being said, given the caliber school that Yale is as well, it's likely the same thing could be said about it. However, this is merely supposition, whereas I heard it from the horse's mouth about Stanford.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Which school would be easier to get into EA?
[/quote]
There isn't much difference for most people. When I was making this decision a few years ago, I decided to apply to Stanford early because it would be easier to get in, but I was a Stanford legacy (and despite getting in, I ended up at Yale anyway, showing that this isn't really when you make the decision).</p>
<p>
[quote]
Do either of them seem to admit only one student per high school EA?
[/quote]
No</p>
<p>
[quote]
For a prospective science/math major which one would be better and provide the best liberal arts education?
[/quote]
This is such a general question that it's nearly impossible to answer. As an undergrad, you're likely to find the quality of the programs basically indistinguishable in pretty much any field. The couple exceptions that might be relevant to you: in engineering, Yale is enough weaker that it might affect the quality of undergrad education (this isn't true in any of the pure sciences). Also, for computer science, Stanford's location near silicon valley might make it preferable. In the biology/chemistry/physics/math type majors, however, as an undergrad you are unlikely to see much difference and probably shouldn't be deciding on the basis of academic quality.</p>
<p>Igellar: If Yale's in a much more urban area, it's only because of Stanford's 8000 acre campus. It's actually really close to San Fran and San Jose, and while it's not right in the middle of either, I've read that there's really good public transport for when students want to go into the cities.</p>
<p>But I don't really understand how this addresses the OP's question...</p>
<p>both are almost impossible to get into EA. i don't think one is easier than the other. what Stanford will do, however, is give you a final decision (accept or reject). Yale will almost certainly defer you if you're not accepted.</p>
<p>The things I mentioned address the OP's question because they seek to answer which school the OP would prefer. It would make more sense to apply SCEA to the more preferred one so that if they do get in they don't have to worry about the other one.</p>
<p>From what I've seen this year admission results, it's best to apply EA to Yale, if Yale does not admit you early, it will defer you. But that is not the case for Stanford. It's harder. Our highschool Val 2400(one sitting) with 4.0 uw GPA got deferred EA and then rejected RD.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Which school would be easier to get into EA?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Neither.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Do either of them seem to admit only one student per high school EA?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I don't think so.</p>
<p>
[quote]
For a prospective science/math major which one would be better and provide the best liberal arts education?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Stanford--it's strong in all the sciences/math/engineering + has strong humanities/liberal arts. In fact, the GERs at Stanford have a very liberal artsy focus (IHUM, PWR, etc.)</p>
<p>Really, though, it should come down to this: Which one is your first choice? Simple as that.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Really, though, it should come down to this: Which one is your first choice? Simple as that.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>No, you should try to game it as best you can. I would go with Yale, they probably get fewer math/sciencey EA applications so you have a better chance of standing out. I'm assuming you are a good (have as good a shot as most) but not great/amazing applicant.</p>
<p>Well, Yale had an 18.11% early admit rate and Stanford had a 16.22% early admit rate vs. 5.62% and 8.25% RD, respectively (for the class of 2012). I don't know if that really helps you at all, but it's something to consider.
(I wouldn't game the system- try to figure out which school you like more and apply early there.)</p>
<p>I agree with the everyone else who says that you should just apply to the school you like the best. That is the whole point of EA, not so that you have an easier chance in one school than the other. I heard an admissions director once say that if are denied EA than you were 100% going to be denied in RD and if you were accepted EA than 100% accepted in RD. Just imagine that you got into both schools, which one would you choose? Now apply early there! WAIT THIS POST IS FROM MAY 2008! YOU ARE ALREADY IN COLLEGE! Well…maybe someone else will benefit from what i just said!!</p>
<p>Unless you are a URM, legacy, val with a 2400, don’t worry about it. Chances of getting into either without a hook are so small (probably less than 3%) that you should not fall in love with either.</p>
<p>Apply to the one you like best and be ready to apply to the other and several other schools you can also love RD.</p>
<p>I gather from your post that you haven’t visited Stanford yet. It is quite chill and known for this trait. </p>
<p>I also disagree with the comment that nothing from your senior year will count towards admissions. There is a reason why the Common App has a section where you list your senior year classes. If you’ve decided, for whatever reason, to dial back on class rigor, then forget about Stanford unless you are a hooked applicant.</p>