That’s an excellent complicated query. Deciding to use REA is not nearly liking a faculty (although hopefully you’ve performed actually good analysis and also you consider you and that faculty match rather well collectively). So let’s take a look at some various things it is best to assume by means of.
As a result of the applicant pool for REA at colleges like, for instance, Yale or Stanford is extremely aggressive, you wish to be sure that your stats and your story are at their peak by November 1st.
Take into account your transcript: Are your grades from ninth–eleventh grade sturdy sufficient to face on their very own? If you actually need your first-semester senior yr grades to point out an upward pattern, it’s attainable your software can be stronger for Common Resolution.
Execs of Making use of REA
The largest professional of Restrictive Early Motion might be that you simply’re telling a extremely selective college that they’re your absolute precedence. Whereas it would not assure a “sure,” it probably helps you stand out in a pool of high-achievers by demonstrating critical curiosity.
A number of execs to think about:
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Earlier Peace of Thoughts: You’ll sometimes get your choice by mid-December.
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Non-Binding Freedom: When you get in, you possibly can nonetheless examine monetary support packages from different colleges later. (Whereas with ED, you’re to a point caught with what you get.)
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Increased Statistical Odds: Usually, REA acceptance charges look greater than Common Resolution (although remember, the pool could be very self-selective!).
Cons of Making use of REA
The “restriction” is the principle hurdle right here. By selecting REA, you’re primarily placing all of your early eggs in a single basket relating to non-public establishments. If there are three or 4 non-public colleges you like, making use of REA to 1 means you need to wait till January to use to the others.
A number of cons of REA to assume by means of:
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Missed Alternatives: You possibly can’t apply to a unique college’s Early Resolution I program, or most different colleges’ EA packages (once more, public colleges are often okay).
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Early Strain: It’s a must to have your essays, letters of recand testing finalized by November 1st.
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Deferred Uncertainty: Many REA candidates get “deferred” to the common pool, that means you will not get a closing reply till March anyway.