johnnyx9 wrote:
I think there are different philosophies on which round is the best one to apply to. I saw an interview transcript w/ Rod Garcia, the MIT director of admissions, and he said people have a better chance in Round 1 because they fill more spots with Round 1 people.
Some people say that non-traditional applicants have a better shot in Rouns 2 because at this point schools have gone for their staples (good stats). But I don't think any of this is really definitive. I don't think there's a HUGE difference in odds of admission. It's such a crapshoot to start out with.
So the reason I say go with Round 1 has nothing to do with your odds of getting in, it has to do with the fact that you'll be able to apply in Round 2 if things don't go well in Round 1. And if things go well in Round 1, then you have a lot more time to relax before school starts. Whereas if you apply Round 2 you may not find out until the summer if you're accepted off a waitlist etc....
So go Round 1!!
The idea is the following (for Ultra-elites at least):
Small class programs: MIT, Stanford. Apply round 1!!!
The rest: apply round 1 or round 2.
Cheers. L.