Hello! I'm thinking about applying to Stanford through their Restricted Early Action program. What are the benefits of applying through REA? Should I apply REA if I'm competitive enough for merit-based scholarships or should I wait and apply for Regular Decision?
Hi there! Stanford's Restricted Early Action (REA) has several benefits for applicants. Here's a breakdown of the advantages:
1. Early notification: Applying through REA means you'll receive your decision in mid-December, much earlier than if you were to apply Regular Decision (RD). This can significantly reduce stress and anxiety surrounding college applications, as you'll know your results well before most other applicants.
2. Demonstrated interest: By applying REA, you're indicating to Stanford that it is one of your top choices. This can help show your genuine enthusiasm for the school, although demonstrated interest is not as significant a factor for Stanford compared to some other institutions.
3. Higher acceptance rates: While REA doesn't guarantee admission, the acceptance rates for REA applicants tend to be moderately higher than for RD applicants. This indicates that applicants who choose REA might have a slightly better chance of being admitted.
4. More time for other applications: If you're admitted to Stanford in December, you'll have more time and energy to focus on other college applications, scholarships, or even enjoying the remainder of your senior year.
As for merit-based scholarships, the timing of your application (REA or RD) to Stanford won't impact your eligibility. Stanford doesn't offer merit-based scholarships for undergraduates; all financial aid is need-based. If you're interested in applying for merit-based scholarships at other institutions, you can still do so while applying REA to Stanford, provided that they don't have binding early decision policies.
If Stanford is your top choice and you feel confident that your application is strong, applying REA may be a good option for you. However, if you believe you could strengthen your application further (e.g., by improving your extracurriculars, essays, or other components), you might want to wait and apply RD. It's important to weigh the benefits of applying REA with the advantages of potentially enhancing your application for RD before making a decision. Good luck!
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