<p>If you’re going to take anything Princeton writes at face value, Princeton also writes the following:“All applicants to Princeton, whether they apply early action or regular decision, receive the same comprehensive, holistic review. Those who apply early gain no strategic advantage; the only advantage is one of convenience. If you know that Princeton is your first choice, then it may make sense for you to apply early.”</p>
<p>So then we’re done and your point is moot, right? See, if this were just an opinion, yes, I would credit the Harvard and Stanford professors. However, mine is empirical evidence gathered over the period of a year and a summer with dozens of actual Princeton students. Yes, you can crunch the numbers all you want, but you can’t beat actual case studies. The Harvard and Stanford professors also have little to no insight in the admissions process. Professors are hardly included in the admissions process. Therefore, their argument is reduced to mere numbers, which can always be beat.</p>
<p>FYI, my roommate had a 3.75 GPA and 1900-range SAT. ECs were standard for Princeton. My friend had the grades, but only one or two ECs in which he showed any sort of dedication. By your system, both would have been rejected. A reduction to numbers is not what college admissions is about or what it needs - only by a qualitative approach can you construct a vibrant class. Have you, out of interest, tried your method with Princeton admissions? That might be informative.</p>