jestergirl10

does applying early action give me a greater chance of acceptance? i kept thinking so, but researching online, some people said that it actually is HARDER because the pool is more competitive(?) or something. can someone help me??

stanford is my dream school

nngmm

You should prepare the strongest application you can. If you can get it ready in time for SCEA, there might be a slight benefit to applying early (and a great benefit of getting your decision early). If your application will get stronger by RD deadline (higher scores, higher GPA, major awards, etc.), then wait and apply RD.

ThatsSoCoooolMan

The SCEA applicant pool is more competitive, but it's offset by the fact that the acceptance rate in this pool is also higher. Assuming the application itself doesn't change, I think Stanford tries to select so that any INDIVIDUAL's chances of getting in SCEA are the same as getting in RD.

But that DOES assume the quality of your application is the same going EA as in going RD. As nngmm said, don't rush your app just to make the EA deadline.

BigMike3541

There is no optimal strategy for getting into stanford when it comes to applying regular vs. early. The kids that apply early are generally the strongest and more of them get in. Still, most of the kids that get in get in early. if you application is currently as good as its going to get then apply early. however if you could benefit from more time on your essays or 1st semester senior grades, then hold off.

The only benefit of applying early is that you find out if you got into stanford in december vs. april.

jestergirl10

thanks to all the people that replied.
yea. idk. i want to apply early.... but at the same time..
well everything about me is pretty mediocore. except for the fact that i'm classically trained musician and everything i've done pretty much revolves around that...
since i'm not like a stellar stat and grade person, do you think i should just apply regularly or early??