Regular Decision: fewer chances of entry?

Question

Hello there. I only just recently (yesterday) decided I wanted to study in the states.. I plan on applying to the bigger schools but have not taken the SAT 1 or subject tests and hence am thinking of applying regular decision in case i don't do so well the first time: does this completely ruin my prospects of getting into stanford/harvard etc?

please answer honestly.

thank you

Answer 1

your chances of getting in on early decision are normally about double of regular

Answer 2

"Based on our experience your chances of being accepted are not significantly affected by applying early. While the statistics for many colleges show higher percentages of acceptance for early admission when compared to regular admission, this statistic must be put in perspective. The early admissions pool includes a significantly higher percentage of applicants whose chances of admission are higher than those of the average applicant; these students have outstanding credentials. In addition, most legacies and major donors apply for early admissions and are accepted. Likewise, recruited athletes who apply early are pre-selected by coaches; therefore, only those athletes who are likely to be accepted apply early. In short, when the differences between the early admission pool and the regular admissions pool are taken into account, a student's chances of admission are not significantly affected by applying early. An exception is in borderline cases in which applying early may make a difference because it shows the applicant's interest in the college. "

Basically, here's the deal. Early decision does help you a little bit. This is because the colleges KNOW you want to go there really badly, whereas if you apply Regular Decision, they don't know that--you could be applying just as a safety school, or as one of 10 schools, or as your fourth or fifth choice. So it helps you in this way. But it doesn't s***w over your chances. Also, you shouldn't apply Early Decision unless you're positive you want to go to that school, since if you are accepted, you must go.

So...it doesn't ruin your prospect, but it might help a bit to apply early--ESPECIALLY if your scores/GPA are a bit below average for the school.