Choosing Early Action or Regular Decision at Stanford

How should I decide between applying Early Action and Regular Decision to Stanford? I'm curious if there are specific advantages or disadvantages I should consider that are unique to Stanford's application process.

When it comes to applying Early Action versus Regular Decision to Stanford, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, the admissions rates. Historically, Stanford's Early Action admissions rate has been higher than its Regular Decision rate. This doesn't mean it's necessarily easier to get in, but it does demonstrate that a significant portion of the incoming class is filled through Early Action. One thing to consider, though, is that the Early Action pool is often filled with more competitive applications.

Another factor to consider is preparation. Do you feel that your application is the best it can be right now, or could it use some fine-tuning? If you believe your application is already strong and you've spent a significant amount of time on your essays, Early Action could be a good fit for you. If not, you might want to consider waiting and applying Regular Decision to give yourself more time to polish your application.

There's also Stanford's REA (Restrictive Early Action) policy to consider. While this isn't an Early Decision program (meaning you're not committed to attend if accepted), Stanford’s REA policy is more restrictive than some other schools' Early Action policies. You can't apply to any private colleges or universities in the U.S. under their Early Action or Early Decision programs if you apply to Stanford REA. However, it does allow you to apply to public universities and foreign universities under any of their programs.

Lastly, consider what would happen if you were deferred. Stanford defers a very small number of its applicants, opting to either accept or reject most of its early applicant pool. If you were to be deferred, would you be able to handle the additional months of uncertainty?

Every student's situation is unique, and it's crucial to gauge your comfort with these various aspects of the process before making your decision. Ultimately, you should choose the option that gives you the best opportunity to present your strongest application.