<p>I am deciding between Stanford EA vs. Columbia ED - for similar programs - Stanford - Management Science & Engineering, and Columbia - Industrial Engineering.</p>
<p>I am concerned that Stanford’s Early Action program being non-binding doesn’t significantly improve my chances compared to regular decision - but I’ve heard Columbia admits ~50% of their class from Early Decision which is binding. All other things equal my first choice is Stanford. What are my chances ?</p>
<p>My SAT is 2150 (Math 800, Writing 750, CR 600).
I am in one of New Delhi’s top high schools - and top of my class (top 1% in all subjects)
Extracurriculars include President of Math, Computer club; Captain of School Co-curricular activities and awards from other competitions in debate, math talent etc.
In addition work experience - as education volunteer, and summer in father’s business doing some market research.</p>
<p>Your SAT score is on the low side for Stanford, and you most likely will be deferred early. That said, you definitely have a better shot at Columbia early. Yes, it IS binding, but if you can afford it and like the campus, then you should consider it early decision. </p>
<p>Oh and I just noticed- you’re international. Your ECs/test scores aren’t that outstanding in the pool…so you have a slim to none chance at Stanford. I’d go with Columbia…</p>
<p>I’d improve the CR score and apply RD to both. Neither would probably give you an advantage early, if they liked you they’d probably defer and see what other applicants they got from India in the RD round (which will be a ton) to do a full comparison of all reasonable Indian candidates.</p>
<p>Thanks to both.
Quick addition: Does being a female help in diversifying from the intl pool ?</p>
<p>@hmom5 - Unfortunately, I’m a little past the window to increase CR score (as it’s getting late) - Are there other things I can do to make up for that
-(e.g. recommendation from English teacher - her talking pts as I’m told are creativity in different topics, spontaneous thinking (President - Debate Club), helpful to other students)
or elaborating on ECs (See below.)</p>
<p>@fuzzfirebunny -
Are international test scores / ECs ranked within the intl pool or in a general pool ?
I thought If I elaborate on my ECs - could you suggest how I could enhance my application by emphasing these ?</p>
<p>ECs
Captain of all school Co-curricular activities: Equivalent to president of Student body, Organize all school activities for 8th - 12th grade - including scheduling, obtaining guest celebrities/speakers, preparation and execution of major school functions
President of Math Club - Organize major math talent competitions, recruit talent from our school to go to other schools, Appointed because of past awards in math talent competitions, general strength in math
President of Debate Club - Organize debate competitions with other schools, recruit talent from our school, participate actively and represent school in major debates
President of Computer Club - Organize symposium of various computer talent competitions (programming, graphic design etc.)</p>
<p>Others
Volunteer service (Taught Math/Computers in schools for underpriveleged, Taught dance to school for physically challenged, Organized health camps - e.g. cataract surgery, blood donation
Worked with father’s business to help him identify a new product line (i.e. helped him identify what products can be made with his current infrastructure, identified target partners who can help us learn the new technology variations for new products)
Fundraising and inital design of community garden. i.e. converting barren land in neighborhood to community exercise zone, play zone</p>
<p>In my understanding, international test scores are expected to be higher simply because those applying to the US from other countries have such outstanding applications. There will be a TON of people from India with perfect scores and/or major awards.
Your strength is to emphasize your uniqueness- debate/creative thinking will make you stand out from all the math/science geeks</p>