Early Action vs. Regular Action

[WindandSea]

I have read several threads regarding early action vs. regular action I apologize if I have not found my answers elsewhere.. There seems to be the majority of appointments offered to early action candidates and quite a few rolled over to regular as well. A few years back the threads say that early action does not roll over to RA. Do we know that early action still can roll over to RA? Is there a formula of statistics that candidates can compare themselves to that would help them to decide if they are competitive for EA? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[StPaulDad]

The rules for EA changed last year, which was why the rolling over seems to have changed. I'm not certain if it's been announced if that will change again this fall or not.

As far as statistics go, that's not a great way to look at things. Instead ask yourself how much your app is going to change between October and January. If you're expecting to be named basketball captain or your math scores have been average and you want to try crushing your fall calc class then maybe hang back. But if your grades are as good as they're going to get and if you'll have most of your expected leadership roles in hand by October then consider getting it in. In the end you only have control over your own individual app, so spend your energy on it. What can you do to improve it? It's hard to change your GPA much by the end of junior year, but test scores and your PFE can be raised. Polish your essays and practice for interviews. Good luck.

 

[md61]

My DS, my wife and I attended a Bears Day last December and I asked about EA. Admissions stressed that if your packet will be stronger as an RA candidate, then you should wait. My DS will be waiting for RA, as he is taking Calculus & AP Physics his senior year and by waiting admissions will have those grades to consider.

 

[coasttocoast]

I spoke with CAPT Fredie a bit ago about this...
EA will roll over to RA this year.

If I remember correctly, for EA academics, math SAT above 700 and/or ACT above a 29. English the same.

 

[DonnieDarko77]

I spoke with CAPT Fredie a bit ago about this...
EA will roll over to RA this year.

If I remember correctly, for EA academics, math SAT above 700 and/or ACT above a 29. English the same.

Do you mean a SAT 700 subject score/ 29 ACT minimum for EA? Is that a cutoff?

 

[coasttocoast]

Do you mean a SAT 700 subject score/ 29 ACT minimum for EA? Is that a cutoff?

No cutoffs, but high math is important as it’s a stem school, especially in EA. (This is just the math section score on the regular SAT/ACT, not the subject test).

Someone asked for a reference number for EA competitiveness, so I thought I would help as I was once in your shoes. But, it’s not a rule or official number or anything like that

And of course, this is purely academic... please look into the other posts that stress the importance of leadership and well rounded applicants.

If it helps anyone, this past year when I first applied, I had only one ACT to submit and a 24 math, 30 English. Nonetheless, I went for EA. I worked hard and increased both scores significantly over my 9 month wait, (I ended up being rolled over to RA then waitlisted). I don’t regret applying EA at all as I was deferred, and used the opportunity to show my persistence and determination... which at the end of the day is more beneficial than a test.

Best of luck to all!!

 

[shiner]

The bar did appear higher in EA than RA this year. Kids that would have been borderline appointment or offered prep were flat out rejected in EA. Some students in EA were moved to RA, but that number was not high. Kudos to you for asking the question at this phase of the cycle.