worth the restricted EA

Colleges and Universities A-Z Stanford University
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<p>I posted my "chance thread" a little bit back. I was wondering if it would be worth it to apply to Stanfords REA. I know the acceptance rate is higher (not sure how much but I dont think its a significantly higher) but this is also because the top applications are sent in REA (I think). Anyways, because with REA you are unable to apply to other EA schools, would it be worth it to apply to Stanford REA, or my other schools that offer regular EA. Would my chances be hurt by not using the REA? If anyone could answer this it would be great. My parents are really encouraging me to not "waste" my EA/ED at Stanford where they (actually only my mom) believes I will not be accepted. You guys (based on feedback) seemed to think with strong essays I would have as good a shot as most, so I am really tourn between seemingly "wasting the early apps" or using it for schools I am pretty confident I could get into.</p>

<p>edit: this thread is pretty much all over the place..sorry</p>

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<p>You’re right in thinking that the higher acceptance rates are due to the best applications being sent in. </p>

<p>However, the entire idea behind the SCEA is that you’ll apply only to the school that you like best, and really want to get in. That is why most people apply EA to a school anyways, because they know if they get in, that’s where they’ll be going. If you’re thinking about applying EA to somewhere where you’ll surely get in, what’s the point? You could get in over there RD too. So ask yourself, is Stanford your no#1? Is this where you’re most likely to go if you get in?</p>

<p>And if you’re worried about making it into Stanford, know this. Admissions to Stanford/MIT are more random than most. This is somply because these schools want very unique and promising individuals. Keeping that in mind, no-one can really gauge your chances of getting in, SCEA or otherwise.</p>