I'm considering applying to Harvard under Restrictive Early Action. How does the acceptance rate for REA applicants compare to RD applicants? Is it significantly higher or not really? Thanks in advance!
The acceptance rate for Restrictive Early Action (REA) applicants at Harvard is typically higher than for Regular Decision (RD) applicants, although it's still quite low. To give you a sense, for the Class of 2028, the REA acceptance rate was 8.74%. Please note that this percentage can vary each year depending on the applicant pool and the number of available spots in the incoming class, but it is generally below 10%.
Applying REA does have some advantages over RD, as it can demonstrate your interest in attending Harvard and give your application early consideration. However, it's essential to remember that although applying REA might give you a slight edge in terms of acceptance rate, Harvard's admissions process is highly competitive for both REA and RD applicants.
Ultimately, it's crucial to ensure that your application presents your strengths and accomplishments in the best way possible, regardless of when you submit it. If you feel confident about your application and have strong materials prepared by the REA deadline, then you might consider applying under this option. However, if you need more time to refine your application or have significant accomplishments projected for later in your senior year, applying RD might be a better fit for you.
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