<p>Um, I just want to point out that English is certainly not my first language. In fact, it’s my third. And I got an 800 on the SAT writing section.
So, silverturtle, it’s a bit offending when you assume that those who did not learn English as a first language are inept at “articulating.” You say you don’t want to sound hostile towards ExcitedG, but sorry to break it to ya, you’re not getting the Most Friendly award anytime soon with a statement like that. We’re all here to help one another, so there certainly is no reason to be rude.</p>
<p>While I do agree that academic excellence plays a huge part in obtaining an acceptance, it’s not the only significant aspect of an application. There are those with perfect SAT and ACT scores, sky-high GPA’s, National Merit finalists, etc. who are rejected from top schools every year. Granted, those applicants have a better chance of being accepted in terms of academics, but there is a reason they are rejected. For that reason, it shows we cannot only rely on a stellar academic record. Other factors have a huge role as well, such as essays, EC’S, recommendations, work/life experiences, talents, etc. By this point, I think we all understand that Stanford is a school that will not accept every student with perfect scores and GPA whose only activity is studying. If they like and see potential in a perfectly well-rounded student who happened to receive a 2000 SAT (for example), they might actually grant the acceptance. People call Stanford a crapshoot school for a reason.</p>
<p>RandomPhilosophy- While your Subject Tests scores aren’t perfect, they’re certainly not bad. I’m pretty much in the same situation as you, only difference being I haven’t even taken my SAT II’s yet. My advice would be to take the SAT I in October and see how well you do. If you are completely satisfied, I say go for SCEA. If not, try for higher SAT II scores and apply RD. The way I see it, the SAT is more important than Subject tests, especially since Stanford does not require them (though they are strongly recommended). Therefore, good SAT I scores should be a higher priority.
And the others are right, the only advantage to SCEA is getting your decision earlier. Although I do think applying EA lets Stanford know they are your top choice, the applicants are also generally stronger and more competitive. So to bump your chances for acceptance, only apply SCEA if you are sure your application cannot be any better. When in doubt, apply RD.</p>