Does anyone know what percent of Stanford's class gets admitted through regular decision? I'm applying and trying to gauge my chances since I missed the early action deadlines.
As of 2023, Stanford no longer releases the acceptance rates for Early Action and Regular Decision separately, but provides an overall acceptance rate. In recent years, the total reported acceptance rate has been under 5%, making Stanford one of the most competitive top-tier schools.
However, for many competitive colleges, the admittance rate during the Regular Decision cycle tends to be somewhat lower than the Early Action or Early Decision acceptance rate. This happens because Early applicants demonstrate a high interest in attending the college and generally make up a significant portion of the accepted students.
Although these numbers might seem daunting, remember that admissions are about more than just statistics and percentages. Stanford looks at every application holistically, taking into consideration factors such as GPA, test scores (if submitted), essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities. They want to see a portrait of who you are as a person, your academic potential, and what you can contribute to the university.
Lastly, don't let the statistics discourage you. Every year many students are admitted during the Regular Decision cycle, and you could be one of them. The key is to prepare a strong application that highlights your strengths and potential. Good luck with your application!
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