<p>Some people recommended that I apply to Harvard because of being an "underdog" (very low income, great GPA and ECs but 1840 SAT from lack of study materials and general I-have-never-really-taken-a- standardized-test-before-ness, aaaand eastern european) and I was weighing the pros and cons of early applications. Do they hurt or do they slightly increase your chances of getting in?</p>
<p>I am by no means saying I think I have a chance at Harvard. I honestly didn't even have it on my list because come on.. it's Harvard. But if there's even a sliiight chance of getting in, I might as well take it, mno? </p>
<p>So, yey or nay to early application? If you need more details on moi, just ask, and I'll come back with a reply</p>
<p>It won’t hurt, but after this year’s experience with college admissions, I recommend that you use EA/SCEA to secure an early safety for yourself rather than take your shots with early action to a reach (Harvard is obviously a reach for everyone). I remember reading somewhere that while Early Decision has a substantial effect on many schools’ admissions rate, EA/SCEA doesn’t really hurt or help your chances much. It helps ease the nerves going into the Spring college acceptance/rejection letter phase knowing you already have an acceptance to somewhere you like on your plate. It won’t help or hurt your chances with Harvard really, just let’s them gauge what the application season will look like for their regular applicants.</p>
<p>I see, thank you very much! I can’t really use ea/ed for a safety school because as an international with low income, no us school is a safety. I wasn’t even considering applying early anywhere, but i thought i’d give a generous school a try. Any other opinions guys?</p>