Where to apply Early Action/Decision?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I'm a junior in high school, and I'm trying to narrow down my college search process to avoid undue stress next year. I want to apply early action to a school, but I don't know which one to apply EA to. I can pick one of these schools: Northwestern, Cornell, MIT, or Stanford. My first choice is Stanford, but I will be happy attending any of these universities.</p>

<p>My question is this: I know that the logical choice is to apply EA to Stanford because it is my first choice, but I also know that the applicants applying to Stanford EA will probably beat me out in terms of GPA/ACT/ECs. I want to know which college accepts the highest percentage of EA applicants, and I want to know y'all's opinions concerning EA.</p>

<p>A brief profile:</p>

<p>Ethnicity: Indian (South Asian)</p>

<p>State of Residence: Illinois</p>

<p>Major: Computer Science</p>

<p>GPA: UW 4.00 (High chance this will drop to about 3.8) /W 4.47 (Will increase)</p>

<p>ACT - September (33)
- Will retake in December, and April</p>

<p>Will take SATII subject tests Math II, Physics</p>

<p>AP Classes and Tests:
- AP Gov (5)
- AP US History
- AP Physics B
- AP Physics C
- AP Calc BC
- AP Psych
- AP Macro Econ
- AP Micro Econ</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:</p>

<p>Tennis - JV 9th - 10th (Captain in 10th), Varsity 11th - 12th. Probable state qualifier
Band - 9th - 12th. In one of the top symphonic bands in the state.
Academic Team - 9th - 12th (Captain)
FBLA - 9th - 10th
Philosophy Club - 11th - 12th
Math Team - 9th
NHS - 11th - 12th</p>

<p>Volunteering:</p>

<p>Misc Volunteering thru FBLA ~ 10 hrs
Volunteering at local hospital - 75 hrs
Volunteering at local temple/cultural events ~ 10 hrs</p>

<p>Misc:</p>

<p>-Know a bit of Java, C++, Python, HTML, CSS, and PHP.
-Published app on Android Market with just over 1,000 downloads.</p>

2

<p>Well, if you decide to apply EA (non-binding), and the school lets you choose more than 1 EA school, then you should definitely do EA to multiple schools. ED means you have to go…so I think it’s better off EAing unless you’re really passionate about that school. Looks like you have a reach-able chance in these schools. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>They are all REA except for MIT. I can only apply to one…I think.</p>

<p>Sent from my MB855 using CC App</p>

4

<p>Well, then go all out for the one you really like, that’s what EA/ED is about.</p>

5

<p>Slicekick, Cornell and Northwestern are ED, not EA. That means that if you apply, are accepted, and are happy with the financial aid offered, you must attend. Since these schools aren’t your first choice, you shouldn’t apply to them ED. </p>

<p>You have just under a year to go before applications, so you have some time to consider if you want to apply to Stanford or MIT EA. You won’t get an admissions boost from applying EA, but if you get in, it will take some pressure off early.</p>