Does applying Early Action to Harvard affect my chances?

Hello! I'm planning to apply to Harvard and was wondering if applying Early Action affects the acceptance rate? Is there any statistic or info regarding this? Any help would be much appreciated!

Yes, applying Restrictive Early Action (REA) to Harvard can have a positive impact on your chances of admission. Although the acceptance rate for REA applicants is generally higher than the regular decision acceptance rate, it's important to keep in mind that the REA applicant pool tends to be quite strong and competitive. Many students applying REA are well prepared and have high-quality applications, which can partially explain the higher acceptance rate.

According to data for the Class of 2027, Harvard's REA acceptance rate was 7.56%, while the overall acceptance rate was 3.41%. This indicates that applying Restrictive Early Action does provide a statistically higher chance of admission.

However, remember that admission to Harvard remains exceptionally competitive regardless of when you apply, and REA is not a guarantee for acceptance. You should ensure that your application is as strong as possible, showcasing your academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and personal qualities that demonstrate you would be a great fit for Harvard's community.

For more information on Restrictive Early Action and how it works, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/what-is-restrictive-early-action-when-applying-to-college

In summary, applying REA to Harvard could improve your chances, but you should still focus on submitting a top-notch application to maximize your chance of admission. Good luck!